Understanding the Phrasal Verb "Kick Up"
If you have ever spent time on a dusty road or watched a spirited argument unfold, you have likely encountered the phrase kick up. While it sounds simple, this versatile phrasal verb carries a variety of meanings depending on the context. Whether you are literally stirring up dirt or figuratively causing a commotion, knowing how to use kick up will make your English sound more natural and expressive.
Core Meanings and Usage
The phrase kick up is primarily used in three ways: to physically displace something into the air, to create an unwanted reaction or trouble, and as a noun referring to a specific gymnastic movement.
1. Physical Movement
In its most literal sense, kick up describes the action of forcing something, usually dust, dirt, or debris, into the air by striking it with your feet. You might see this on a dry hiking trail or a baseball diamond.
- The dry wind caused the horses to kick up dust as they galloped across the plains.
- Be careful where you walk; you don't want to kick up mud on your clean trousers.
2. Creating a Commotion
When used metaphorically, kick up often appears in the phrase "kick up a fuss" or "kick up a stink." This means to express strong disapproval or cause a scene, usually in a way that annoys or inconveniences others.
- When the restaurant forgot their order, the customer started to kick up a fuss.
- There is no reason to kick up a stink about such a minor administrative error.
3. Gymnastics and Fitness
In a fitness context, a kick-up (often hyphenated when used as a noun) describes the initial movement required to transition from a standing position into a handstand by swinging the legs upward.
- Make sure you have enough core strength before attempting your first kick-up against the wall.
- She practiced her kick-up for twenty minutes before she finally held a steady handstand.
Grammar Patterns
As a phrasal verb, kick up is separable when it refers to causing something to rise. However, in its idiomatic sense (meaning to cause a scene), it is almost always followed by an object like "a fuss" or "a stink." Because it is a phrasal verb, you should remember to conjugate "kick" based on the tense you are using:
- Present: He usually kicks up a lot of dust when he runs.
- Past: They kicked up a fuss at the front desk yesterday.
- Continuous: Why is she kicking up such a fuss about this?
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Learners often confuse kick up with kick out. Remember that kick out means to force someone to leave (to expel or evict), whereas kick up refers to movement or disturbance. Additionally, do not use kick up to mean "cheer up." If you want to help someone feel better, use "cheer up," not "kick up." Finally, ensure you include the object when using the idiomatic phrase; saying "He is kicking up" sounds incomplete to a native speaker. Always specify what is being kicked up, such as a fuss or a storm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is "kick up" formal or informal?
It is generally informal. You would use it in casual conversation or descriptive writing, but it is likely too colloquial for a professional legal document or a formal academic thesis.
What does it mean if someone says, "He kicked up a storm"?
This is a common idiom meaning that someone caused a great deal of excitement, controversy, or protest. It implies that the person’s actions created a significant reaction from the people around them.
Can I use "kick up" to talk about cars?
Yes! It is very common to say that a fast car kicks up gravel or leaves as it speeds away from a curb.
Is the hyphen necessary?
When used as a noun (the gymnastic move), it is often written as kick-up. When used as a verb (e.g., "the car kicks up dust"), it is written as two separate words without a hyphen.
Conclusion
Mastering phrasal verbs like kick up allows you to describe both the physical world and social dynamics with much greater precision. By understanding the distinction between literal movement and idiomatic frustration, you can add more color and accuracy to your English vocabulary. Keep practicing these patterns, and you will soon find that using kick up comes as naturally to you as it does to any native speaker.