Phrase guide

kick one's heels

verb · 3 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 wait; to wait impatiently or restlessly.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see kick, heels.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • The restless boy kicked his heels against the chair legs.
  • The dancer kicked her heels as high as her shoulders.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

verb

Meaning 3

wait or pass the time aimlessly or futilely; be kept waiting

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • She kicked her heels for hours at the gate of the Embassy

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: cool one's heels

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: wait

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.