Kick your heels

usgb
idiom

To have nothing to do, or to wait for a long time.

The boss said he'd be back in 5 minutes, but an hour later we are still kicking our heels.
Visual representation of "kick your heels" - To have nothing to do, or to wait for a long time

Often appears as...

  • kick your heels in boredom
  • kick your heels waiting

Usage tips

General, Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "kick your heels"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Passive Waiting

Used when someone waits without actively doing anything else, often out of necessity.

Illustration for Passive Waiting
Stuck in a traffic jam, she had no choice but to kick her heels.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Frustration Implied

May imply irritation or impatience because of the delay.

Illustration for Frustration Implied
They were kicking their heels as the meeting was postponed again.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Informal Situations

Commonly used in casual or informal contexts rather than formal or professional ones.

Illustration for Informal Situations
We'll just be kicking our heels until the band starts playing.
Visual representation of the word "Kick your heels"

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