kickup

[ kik-uhp ]

nounInformal.

a fuss; commotion; row.

Origin of kickup

First recorded in 1785–95; noun use of verb phrase kick up

Other definitions for kick-up (2 of 2)

kick-up

or kick·up

[ kik-uhp ]

noun

a violent disturbance or argument.
kick (def. 23b).

kip⁵ (def. 1).

Origin of kick-up

First recorded in 1790–95; kick + up

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use kickup in a sentence

But I'm sure the AEI crowd is going to try to kick up some dust and see if it adheres.
Rice Out? And Hagel to Defense? | Michael Tomasky | December 13, 2012 | THE DAILY BEAST
We know in the current case that Joe Biden and Bill Daley gave very clear warnings that this would kick up dust.
Michael Tomasky: Contraception Storm Shows Obama Fumbling Politically | Michael Tomasky | February 11, 2012 | THE DAILY BEAST
Before this whole debt squabble got out of hand, Obama too was set to kick up his heels.
Will Debt Crisis Ruin Obama’s Birthday? | Michelle Cottle | July 28, 2011 | THE DAILY BEAST
The fire has destroyed about 22 homes in Greer, and the town may still be in peril if expected high winds kick up again on Sunday.
Arizona Fires: Mormons Mobilize to Help | Terry Greene Sterling | June 11, 2011 | THE DAILY BEAST
Perhaps they will kick up less of a fuss if and when he decides, Nixon style, to choose “ peace with honor” in Afghanistan.
Obama's Baffling Gay Snub | Eric Alterman | October 15, 2010 | THE DAILY BEAST

I knowed, a-course, that I could go kick up a fuss when Simpson stopped by his office on his trip back from Goldstone.
Alec Lloyd, Cowpuncher | Eleanor Gates
Scribes don't seem so precious anxious to kick up their lyric squalls.
Punch, Or The London Charivari, Vol. 100., Jan. 31, 1891 | Various
Though such near neighbours, the females are never observed to kick up a row, or come to blows!
Wanderings in South America | Charles Waterton
If ye were the great, grand Duke of Argyle himself, as ye ca' him, I'll no permit you to kick up a dust in my shop.
The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and Instruction, Vol. 10, Issue 275, September 29, 1827 | Various
In a word, there was a desperate kick-up between them, the ane threeping that he would tak the law of the ither immediately.
The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and Instruction, Vol. 10, Issue 275, September 29, 1827 | Various

British Dictionary definitions for kick up

kick up

verb(adverb)

informal to cause (trouble, a fuss, etc)
kick up bobsy-die See bobsy-die

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Idioms and Phrases with kickup

kickup

Malfunction, cause trouble or pain, as in My grandmother's arthritis is kicking up again. [Colloquial; first half of 1900s] Also see act up; also subsequent entries beginning with kick up.

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