1 B1 idiomatic informal
To discuss ideas informally and without reaching a firm conclusion.
"Let's kick a few ideas around before we commit to a direction."
separable
kick around
B1 informal separable transitive/intransitive
To discuss ideas casually; to wander without purpose; to treat someone badly; or to be lying around unused.
In plain English
To talk about ideas without deciding anything, or to wander around, or to treat someone unfairly.
What does "kick around" mean?
4 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 idiomatic informal
To spend time wandering in a place without a clear purpose.
"After leaving university, he kicked around Europe for a year before settling in Berlin."
inseparable
3 B2 idiomatic informal
To treat someone poorly, unfairly, or with disrespect.
"He quit because his manager had been kicking him around for months."
separable
4 B1 idiomatic informal
To be present somewhere unused or forgotten.
"I think those old keys are kicking around in the garage somewhere."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To kick a ball around a space without a goal.
Actually means
To talk about ideas without deciding anything, or to wander around, or to treat someone unfairly.
Usage tip
Very versatile phrasal verb. Common in all varieties of English. In the sense of mistreating someone, it is stronger and more negative. The idea-discussion sense is very common in meetings and planning contexts.
Words that pair with "kick around"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
idea concept plan suggestion town neighbourhood
How to conjugate "kick around"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
kick around
I/you/we/they
3rd person
kicks around
he/she/it
Past simple
kicked around
yesterday
Past participle
kicked around
have + pp
-ing form
kicking around
continuous
Hear "kick around" in the wild
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Other ways to say "kick around"
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Keep exploring
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