to begin an event or activity
The conference will kick off at 9 a.m. with a welcome speech.
kick off — 2 meanings
Same words, different jobs. Compare the meanings side by side so you know which one fits the situation.
phrasal verb2 meanings
kick offsame phrase
Which one do you mean?
start a conflict
Things really kicked off when the two teams started arguing with the referee.
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Meanings in detail
1. to begin an event or activity
B1neutralspoken
to start something, especially an event, meeting, or activity.
The conference will kick off at 9 a.m. with a welcome speech.
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Sign in to unlock2. start a conflict
C1informalspoken
to suddenly begin an argument, fight, or trouble, often in a lively or disruptive way.
Things really kicked off when the two teams started arguing with the referee.
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