kick over
B1 neutral separable both
In simple words
To kick something so it falls over, or when an engine starts running.
Literal meaning: To kick something so that it goes over and falls.
Meanings
1 B1 neutral
To knock something over by kicking it with one's foot.
"He accidentally kicked over the bucket of paint, spilling it across the floor."
Grammar: separable
2 B2
idiomatic
neutral
Of an engine, to begin rotating and start running.
"The old motorcycle's engine finally kicked over after several attempts."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
The physical sense is straightforward and common. The engine sense ('the engine kicked over') is used in automotive contexts and means the engine has started rotating, though not necessarily fully running. Informal figurative use to mean toppling a system or idea is rare.
Commonly used with
bucket engine motor sandcastle barrel table
Forms
Base
kick over
I/you/we/they
3rd person
kicks over
he/she/it
Past simple
kicked over
yesterday
Past participle
kicked over
have + pp
-ing form
kicking over
continuous
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Synonyms
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