What does “Kick your heels” mean?
"Kick your heels" means to wait idly or do nothing.
What context can I use the in?
Example
I had to kick my heels for hours at the airport.
Example
He's been kicking his heels all day waiting for a phone call.
Example
I don't like to kick my heels, I prefer to stay busy
Is “Kick your heels” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Kick your heels” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Kick your heels” effectively in context?
You can use "Kick your heels" to describe the act of waiting idly or doing nothing. It implies a sense of boredom or frustration with the waiting period. For example, if you have to wait for a long time at the airport, you might say, 'I had to "kick my heels" for hours at the airport.'
- 1Travel
While waiting for their delayed flight, they had to kick their heels at the airport.
- 2Waiting for a call
He's been kicking his heels all day waiting for a phone call.
- 3Prefer to stay busy
I don't like to kick my heels, I prefer to stay busy.
Similar phrases to “Kick your heels”:
Kill time
To do something to make time pass more quickly while waiting for something
Example
They played games on their phones to kill time during the long train ride.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Kick your heels” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Kick your heels" is unknown.
Is “Kick your heels” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Kick your heels" is a common expression in everyday conversation. People often use it to express their frustration or boredom while waiting for something.
What tone does “Kick your heels” have?
"Kick your heels" conveys a tone of impatience or annoyance. It suggests a desire to be productive or engaged rather than wasting time.
Can “Kick your heels” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Kick your heels" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that describes the act of waiting idly. You can use it in casual conversations with friends and family, as well as in more formal situations such as business meetings or professional emails.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'I had to kick my heels for hours at the airport.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Time to "kick your heels"!' to express frustration with waiting.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- wait idly
- do nothing
- idle away
- waste time
- lounge around
Antonyms
- stay busy
- be productive
- stay active
- make the most of your time
