kick off

British  

verb

1. to start play in a game of football by kicking the ball from the centre of the field

2. informal to commence a discussion, job, etc

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noun

1. 1. a place kick from the centre of the field in a game of football

   2. the time at which the first such kick is due to take place

      kickoff is at 2.30 p.m

2. informal

   1. the beginning of something

   2. to begin with

kick off Idioms  

1. Start, begin, as in They kicked off the celebration with a parade . This term alludes to starting play by kicking the ball in soccer, football, and similar sports. [Mid-1800s]

2. See kick in , def. 2.

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Example Sentences

But the Aston Villa player, who has shone as a number 10 during qualifying, will probably not be playing in that position when England kick off their World Cup campaign against Croatia on June 17.

From BBC

With Financial Literacy Month kicking off this week, I’ve had to take a hard look at something that I’ve long avoided: figuring out my monthly spending habits.

From MarketWatch

The deployment of the upgraded, surface-to-ship Type 12 system kicks off a series of rollouts over the next few years, including long-range firepower from aircraft and ships.

From The Wall Street Journal

I kick off my sneakers, pull off my socks, and let my bare feet hang, swinging slowly next to hers.

From Literature

Since it kicked off, Bianco’s investigation has drawn widespread concern from election watchdogs and state law enforcement officials, including California Atty.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• admit
• bring in
• establish
• found
• initiate
• install
• invent
• launch
• organize
• plan
• present
• set up
• start
• unveil