Phrase guide

kick in the pants

noun · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

noun

Meaning 1

A forceful reminder to start or get going.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: informal

Examples

  • That kid needs a kick in the pants to get his homework done today.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: kick up the arse, kick in the rear

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

7 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Chinese Mandarin: 督促 (dūcù) — reminder to start
  • Chinese Mandarin: 激励 (jīlì) — reminder to start
  • Finnish: potku takapuoleen — reminder to start
  • French: coup de pied au derrière — reminder to start
  • French: coup de pied au cul — reminder to start
  • Italian: calcio nel sedere — reminder to start
  • Russian: пе́ндель (péndelʹ) — reminder to start