kick back

USAGE SUMMARY

"kick back" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used to express the idea of relaxing or taking it easy. For example, "After a long day of studying, I decided to kick back and relax with a movie."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

So kick back, relax.

The Guardian - Film

I'm gonna kick back.

The Guardian - Film

"Kick back a bit".

The New Yorker

"They know how to kick back.

The New Yorker

Kick back to #Jan25 revolution.

The Guardian

Kick back, relax, maybe star spot.

The Guardian - Travel

Kick back and drive to the mall.

The New York Times - Books

After sausagegate you need to kick back.

The Guardian - Music

"Here, they can kick back and relax".

The New York Times - Travel

We felt it was really important to just kick back.

The New York Times

Presumably, mother could kick back and read a magazine.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "kick back" when you want to convey a sense of informal relaxation or taking a break from activity. It's suitable for casual conversations and informal writing.

Common error

Avoid using "kick back" in highly formal or professional documents. Opt for more sophisticated alternatives like "relax" or "unwind" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "kick back" functions primarily as a phrasal verb, used to describe the act of relaxing or taking it easy. It's often used informally to suggest leisure and a break from activity. Ludwig AI confirms this, as the examples show it frequently used in contexts related to relaxation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Wiki

24%

Science

23%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "kick back" is a phrasal verb that means to relax or take it easy, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. It's a very common expression, particularly in News & Media and Wiki contexts, indicating an informal tone. While grammatically correct, it's best reserved for casual settings, avoiding overuse in formal or professional writing. To maintain formality, consider alternatives like "relax" or "unwind". Remember to use "kick back" when aiming for a relaxed and informal tone, ensuring your writing resonates with your intended audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

relax

Focuses on the general act of becoming less tense or anxious.

take it easy

Emphasizes a gentle and unhurried approach to activity.

unwind

Highlights the process of releasing built-up tension.

chill out

Suggests a more casual and informal approach to relaxation.

loosen up

Implies a reduction in rigidity or formality.

recoil

Describes an act of drawing back physically or emotionally from something.

retaliate

Indicates taking revenge or responding to an attack.

counterattack

Specifically refers to an attack made in response to an enemy's attack.

spring back

Suggests a quick recovery or return to a previous state.

bounce back

Implies a recovery from a setback or difficulty.

FAQs

What does "kick back" mean?

The phrase "kick back" generally means to relax and take it easy. It implies a state of leisure and enjoyment.

How can I use "kick back" in a sentence?

You can say, "After a long day at work, I just want to "kick back" and watch a movie." or "Let's "kick back" at the beach this weekend."

What are some alternatives to "kick back"?

Alternatives include "relax", "take it easy", "unwind", or "chill out". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired tone.

Is "kick back" appropriate for formal writing?

No, "kick back" is generally considered informal. Use more formal alternatives like "relax" or "unwind" in professional or academic writing.