Phrase guide

kick into touch

verb · 2 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

verb

Meaning 1

To kick a ball over the touchline in a game of rugby, often to avoid pressure from the opponent team in a difficult situation, to end injury time or to gain territory.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: UK

Topics: hobbies, lifestyle, sports

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To evade an issue; to stop from happening.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: Ireland, UK, idiomatic

Examples

  • It seemed like a good idea at the time, but I'm going to kick it into touch.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

5 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Finnish: potkaista sivurajan yli — rugby
  • French: botter en touche — rugby
  • Finnish: sysätä syrjään — evade an issue
  • French: botter en touche — evade an issue
  • French: noyer le poisson — evade an issue