Learn
Watch & LearnLearning Paths
Daily EnglishSocial EnglishProfessional EnglishVOA English
Words and Their StoriesLearning Expressions with VOA
Processed with VS1Follow how one verb changes meaning in idioms, phrasal verbs, and informal slang.
VOA source audio
Source: VOA Learning English · Words and Their Stories
View original article & transcriptThe episode shows how “kick” combines with other words to express enjoyment, starting, stopping a habit, regret, being mistreated, and informal slang for shoes. “Get a kick out of” means enjoy something; “kick off” means begin; “kick yourself” means regret a choice. “Kick the bucket” is slang for dying and can sound cold, so it is unsuitable for serious or sensitive conversations.
Cultural note: Some “kick” phrases are informal or slang and may sound dated or insensitive. “Kicks” for shoes is casual slang with age and community variation; “kick the bucket” is a blunt euphemism for death. Use neutral alternatives when speaking with people you do not know well.
Keep exploringThe word “kick” changes meaning with the words around it. Notice the difference between enjoying something, starting an event, and regretting a choice.
Phrase guide · 6 expressions
Original explanations and examples, created for learners. Save a card for later or hear the phrase spoken by your browser.
Talk about something you enjoy or a time you had fun.
Meaning
Enjoy something or find it amusing.
Tone & use
Informal and usually positive; it does not necessarily imply a physical thrill.
Example
“I get a kick out of watching the neighborhood dogs greet each other.”
Describe beginning a project or quitting a habit.
Meaning
Begin an event, activity, or period of time.
Tone & use
Common in work, sports, and everyday conversation; often followed by a meeting, event, or project.
Example
“We will kick off the workshop with a short introduction.”
Meaning
Stop doing something regularly, especially a harmful habit.
Tone & use
Informal; for health or addiction concerns, use respectful language and do not imply quitting is simple.
Example
“She asked a counselor for support while trying to kick the habit.”
Express regret or describe being treated unfairly.
Meaning
Feel annoyed with yourself for a mistake or missed opportunity.
Tone & use
Figurative and informal; often used lightly, not as a statement about self-harm.
Example
“I could kick myself for leaving my umbrella on the bus.”
Meaning
Be treated unfairly or without respect.
Tone & use
Informal and figurative; describe the behavior clearly if it is a serious workplace or safety issue.
Example
“New staff should be able to ask questions without getting kicked around.”
Meaning
Die.
Tone & use
Very informal slang that can sound disrespectful or cold; avoid it when discussing someone’s death seriously.
Example
“The comedy used “kick the bucket” as a joke, but the phrase would be inappropriate in a condolence message.”
Knowledge check
Choose the expression that best fits each situation.
Try it · Choose the best expression
1 of 3
