Kick at Meaning in English
expression
ˈkɪk/ /ˈæt
KIK-at
kˈɪk/ /ˈæt
KIK-at
Definition
To swing the leg with force to try to hit something with the foot, usually without necessarily making contact. Also used to describe an attempt to physically strike with a foot.
Usage & Nuances
Usually used for physical attempts, not always succeeded—'kick at the ball' (may miss). More formal than just 'kick'. Can be used figuratively ('kick at the rules'). Not common for people as the object.
Spanish: patear hacia - intentar patearPortuguese (BR): chutar em - tentar chutarPortuguese (PT): chutar para - tentar chutarChinese (Simplified): 朝...踢 - 试图踢Chinese (Traditional): 朝...踢 - 試圖踢Hindi: पर लात मारना - लात मारने की कोशिश करनाArabic: يركل نحو - يحاول الركلBengali: লাথি মারা চেষ্টা করা - লাথি ছোঁড়াRussian: пытаться пнуть - бить ногой (не обязательно попасть)Japanese: 蹴ろうとする - 蹴りかかるVietnamese: đá vào (cố đá)Korean: 차려고 하다 - 차대다Turkish: tekme atmaya çalışmak - tekme savurmakUrdu: مارنے کی کوشش کرنا (پاؤں سے)Indonesian: menendang ke arah - mencoba menendang
Example Sentences
He tried to kick at the ball but missed.
basic
The horse began to kick at the fence.
basic
She kicked at the door in frustration.
basic
The kid kept kicking at the soccer ball but couldn’t get it to move.
natural
Don’t just kick at the box—pick it up.
natural
Sometimes all you can do is kick at the problem and hope it goes away.
natural