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kick on

B2 informal inseparable both
In simple words

To keep going forward and do even better, or for something like a heater to turn itself on.

Meanings

1 B2 idiomatic informal

To continue making progress or to move to a higher level of performance, especially after a good start.

"She played well in the first set, but she really needs to kick on and win the match."

Grammar: inseparable
2 B2 neutral

For a mechanical or electrical system to switch on automatically.

"The boiler kicks on every morning at six to heat the house before you wake up."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

The 'progress further' sense is common in British and Australian English, especially in sports contexts ('he needs to kick on now'). The mechanical sense (a system or engine kicking on) is used in technical and everyday contexts in North America.

Commonly used with

career form season engine heater system level

Forms

Base
kick on
I/you/we/they
3rd person
kicks on
he/she/it
Past simple
kicked on
yesterday
Past participle
kicked on
have + pp
-ing form
kicking on
continuous

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Synonyms

press on carry on push on advance progress go further

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