1 B1 idiomatic informal
To begin to have an effect, especially suddenly.
"Wait another twenty minutes for the painkillers to kick in before you decide to take more."
inseparable
kick in
B1 informal separable transitive/intransitive
To start having an effect; to contribute money or effort; or to break something in by kicking.
In plain English
When something starts working, like when a medicine starts to make you feel better, or when you give some money to help.
What does "kick in" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 idiomatic informal
To contribute money, effort, or resources to a shared goal.
"Everyone in the office kicked in a few pounds to buy the manager a leaving gift."
inseparable
3 B1 neutral
To break something, usually a door, by kicking it.
"The police had to kick the door in to gain access to the property."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To kick something inward, breaking it.
Actually means
When something starts working, like when a medicine starts to make you feel better, or when you give some money to help.
Usage tip
The 'start to take effect' sense is very common with medicines, drugs, chemicals, systems, and emotions. The 'contribute money' sense is very informal and common among friends sharing costs. The literal 'break by kicking' sense is less frequent.
Words that pair with "kick in"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
medicine drug adrenaline money door effect
How to conjugate "kick in"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
kick in
I/you/we/they
3rd person
kicks in
he/she/it
Past simple
kicked in
yesterday
Past participle
kicked in
have + pp
-ing form
kicking in
continuous
Hear "kick in" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "kick in" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "kick in"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
Keep exploring
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