kick back
Idioms-
Recoil unexpectedly and violently, as in This rifle kicks back a lot when you fire it . [Early 1800s]
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Return stolen property to the owner, as in The pawnbroker kicked back the paintings to the gallery . [ Colloquial ; first half of 1900s]
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Pay back a part of one's earnings, as in The workers were forced to kick back half their pay to the agent . [ Colloquial ; first half of 1900s]
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
She convinced him that rather than kick back and enjoy a young retirement—he was in his 50s—they should focus more on philanthropy.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 18, 2026
It’s been a while coming, but investors might actually be able to kick back and relax heading into the weekend.
From Barron's • Apr. 17, 2026
Finally, just some light family drama that everyone can kick back and enjoy.
From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 28, 2026
It's got that sort of like, “Relax, kick back, and just keep it on in the background” appeal.
From Salon • Feb. 9, 2025
I fold a few shirts, then kick back and take out a book.
From "Speak" by Laurie Halse Anderson
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
