Kick in

phrase

To start to have an effect.

The medicine should kick in shortly
Visual representation of "kick in" - To start to have an effect

Often appears as...

  • kick in soon
  • kick in shortly
phrase

To contribute a certain amount of money.

We all need to kick in for the party expenses
Visual representation of "kick in" - To contribute a certain amount of money

Often appears as...

  • kick in for
  • kick in on

Usage tips

Informal

Colloquial

phrase

To start suddenly.

The engine finally kicked in
Visual representation of "kick in" - To start suddenly

Often appears as...

  • engine kick in
  • generator kick in
phrase

To intervene forcibly or aggressively.

The police had to kick in the door
Visual representation of "kick in" - To intervene forcibly or aggressively

Often appears as...

  • kick in the door
  • kick in the gate
phrase

To start to have an effect.

The medicine should kick in shortly
Visual representation of "kick in" - To start to have an effect

Often appears as...

  • kick in soon
  • kick in shortly
phrase

To contribute a certain amount of money.

We all need to kick in for the party expenses
Visual representation of "kick in" - To contribute a certain amount of money

Often appears as...

  • kick in for
  • kick in on

Usage tips

Informal

Colloquial

phrase

To start suddenly.

The engine finally kicked in
Visual representation of "kick in" - To start suddenly

Often appears as...

  • engine kick in
  • generator kick in
phrase

To intervene forcibly or aggressively.

The police had to kick in the door
Visual representation of "kick in" - To intervene forcibly or aggressively

Often appears as...

  • kick in the door
  • kick in the gate
Definition 1 of 4
Visual representation of "kick in"
LampPro Tip 1/2

Expectation of Change

Often used when one is waiting for something to change or improve soon after initiation.

Illustration for Expectation of Change
The pain was severe, but the relief should kick in any minute.
LampPro Tip 2/2

Suddenness

The phrase suggests a change that occurs quickly, not over a prolonged period.

Illustration for Suddenness
Once the adrenaline kicked in, I could run much faster.
LampPro Tip 1/2

Expectation of Change

Often used when one is waiting for something to change or improve soon after initiation.

Illustration for Expectation of Change
The pain was severe, but the relief should kick in any minute.
LampPro Tip 2/2

Suddenness

The phrase suggests a change that occurs quickly, not over a prolonged period.

Illustration for Suddenness
Once the adrenaline kicked in, I could run much faster.
LampPro Tip 1/2

Expectation of Change

Often used when one is waiting for something to change or improve soon after initiation.

Illustration for Expectation of Change
The pain was severe, but the relief should kick in any minute.
LampPro Tip 2/2

Suddenness

The phrase suggests a change that occurs quickly, not over a prolonged period.

Illustration for Suddenness
Once the adrenaline kicked in, I could run much faster.
Visual representation of the word "Kick in"

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