kick back

Idioms  

1. Recoil unexpectedly and violently, as in This rifle kicks back a lot when you fire it . [Early 1800s]

2. Return stolen property to the owner, as in The pawnbroker kicked back the paintings to the gallery . [ Colloquial ; first half of 1900s]

3. 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]

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Example Sentences

But one turn to the right, and hope kicks back in.

From Los Angeles Times

He’s kicked back behind his desk, watching me.

From Literature

The Trojans still led by 10 with 10 minutes remaining, and after such a resounding start it seemed only a matter of time before they kicked back into gear.

From Los Angeles Times

Then she kicked back some of the proceeds to the children’s parents.

From The Wall Street Journal

But as applications get kicked back for corrections, and the rebuilding timeline turns from months to years, many are getting discouraged and choosing to sell.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• lie down
• recline
• sit back
• take it easy
• unwind