Kick Back Phrasal Verb Meaning and Usage

Meaning 1：relax (Kick back)

Kick back 🔊

/kɪk bæk/

phr.v.

to relax and do nothing stressful, especially after work.

relax 🔊

➕

/rɪˈlæks/

phr.v.

To relax and do nothing stressful, especially after work.

📁 Category：Physical & Mental Health 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

Phrasal verb from 'kick' (Old English 'cycean') and 'back' (Old English 'bæc').

💡 Mnemonic

Imagine kicking off your shoes and leaning back to relax.

📖 Example

After a busy week, I just want to kick back on the sofa and watch a movie. 🔊 After a busy week, I just want to kick back on the sofa and watch a movie.

🔗 Collocations

kick back and relax – to completely unwind and enjoy leisure

kick back with a drink – to relax while having a beverage

kick back after work – to rest after one's job is done

🔄 Synonyms

unwind (v.) – to relax after a period of stress or tension

chill out (phr.v.) – to calm down and relax

loosen up (phr.v.) – to become less tense and more relaxed

🚫 Antonyms

work hard (phr.v.) – to exert effort and focus on tasks

stress out (phr.v.) – to become anxious or overwhelmed

hustle (v.) – to work or move quickly and energetically

📖 Cultural Story

Originating in 20th-century American slang, 'kick back' evokes the image of leaning back in a chair with feet up, symbolizing leisure after work.