WordVale

kick off

to begin

In Phrasal Verbs

In more detail

1. (verb) to start something, especially a game, event, or activity

2. (verb) to remove shoes from your feet by using your feet or legs

3. (verb) to force someone to leave a place or group

Examples

• 1. The conference kicks off on Monday with opening speeches.
• 2. She kicked off her shoes and relaxed on the sofa.
• 3. He was kicked off the team for breaking the rules.

How to use kick off

Kick off is an informal but widely used phrasal verb meaning to begin or start something, particularly events, activities, or competitions. It carries a sense of momentum and energy, making it popular in sports, business, and casual contexts. When referring to removing shoes, it is distinctly informal and physical.

Register: informal

Common phrases

• kick off the meeting
• kick off the season
• kick off a campaign
• kick off your shoes
• kick off with

Synonyms

start · begin · launch · initiate · get going

Opposites

end · finish · conclude

Word family

kickoff (noun) · kicked off (past tense) · kicking off (present participle)

A common mistake

Learners often confuse the three separate meanings or use 'kick off' too formally in writing; it is better reserved for spoken English or informal written contexts, where 'begin' or 'start' might be more appropriate in formal reports.

Nearby in Phrasal Verbs

hold on, iron out, keep up with, lay off, look after, look forward to

Keep going

How to remember the words you read · Spaced repetition, explained