English idiom

kick off

Register · Informal CEFR B1

Post

Figurative meaning

to begin an event, meeting, or project

Why this phrase?

The start of an activity is compared to the kick that puts a ball into play at the beginning of a match.

Example

“We kick off the sprint with a short standup.”

Dictionary details

Component words

kick

Tags

Expressions connected by reviewed component words or topic tags.

kick the tires

to inspect or test something before committing to it

kick the habit

to stop a persistent behavior, especially an addictive one

kick up a fuss

to react with a noisy, angry complaint, often over a minor issue

circle back

to return to a topic or person later, after other things have happened

pull the trigger

to finally make a decision and act on it

read the room

to sense the mood, expectations, and dynamics of the people present

Source methodology

Meanings, register, CEFR, and examples come from the reviewed dictionary record. Expression notes may describe a reviewed present-day word picture or a background note; they are not presented as verified etymology.

External links

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