kick around

1. Literally, to kick an object to move it around repeatedly, usually as a form of amusement. The activity can be done with oneself, in which the object is typically kicked with no particular goal, or with one or more partners, in which the object, usually a ball, is kicked back and forth. In this usage, a noun or pronoun is sometimes used between "kick" and "around." You want to go outside a kick a soccer ball around? He's been out there kicking around that old bottle for a half hour. You want to go ask him what's wrong?

2. To repeatedly treat one poorly, usually in a way that demeans or takes advantage of them. In this usage, a noun or pronoun is sometimes used between "kick" and "around." Oh no, I'm not getting kicked around anymore. I quit. I'm tired of you kicking your sister around all the time! Be nice to her!

3. To informally discuss something, typically a plan or idea. We've been kicking around the possibility of moving to Portland, but it's still just an idea. I want to call a meeting where we can all kick around ideas without any limitations, and see what we can come up with.

4. To travel or move around an area casually or with frequent relocations. I was an army brat, so my family kicked around Europe throughout my childhood. The band has been kicking around in the Southwest for months, but the tour will take them to the coast soon.

5. To remain active or simply stay alive in old age. If I'm still kicking around when they invent a hoverboard, I'm going to try it, even if it's last thing I do. I can't believe Old Man Murphy is still kicking around—he was old when I was a kid!

1. Lit. to strike someone, something, or some animal with the foot repeatedly. Billy is out in the alley kicking a can around. Stop kicking that dog around!

2. Fig. to treat someone or something badly. I finally quit my job. My boss wouldn't stop kicking me around. Stop kicking my car around. It does everything I need a car to do.

1. Lit. to move something around by kicking it, as in play. Kick the ball around awhile and then try to make a goal. The boys kicked a can around, making a lot of noise. Don't kick around all the dirt. You'll make a mess.

2. . Fig. to discuss something; to chat about an idea. We got together and kicked her idea around. Fred and Bob kicked around some plots for a new movie.

1. Treat badly, abuse, as in I'm sick and tired of being kicked around by my supervisor. [Colloquial; first half of 1900s]

2. Also, kick about. Move from place to place, as in They spent three years kicking around the country on their bikes, or We've no address; we're just kicking about until we find somewhere to settle. [Colloquial; early 1800s]

3. Also, kick about. Consider, think about or discuss; examine or try out. For example, Let's kick this scenario around for a while and see what we come up with, or We've been kicking about various schemes to make money. [Colloquial; first half of 1900s]

4. Be available or unused, as in This old computer has been kicking around for months-no one seems to want it. [c. 1900]