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."
inseparable
kick on
B2 informal inseparable transitive/intransitive
To continue progressing or to advance to a higher level after an initial success; also, for a machine or system to switch on automatically.
In plain English
To keep going forward and do even better, or for something like a heater to turn itself on.
What does "kick on" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
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."
inseparable
Usage tip
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.
Words that pair with "kick on"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
career form season engine heater system level
How to conjugate "kick on"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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
Hear "kick on" in the wild
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