kick back

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Thân thiện
Definition
  1. Verb (intransitive):
    • To recoil or spring back forcefully, often as a reaction to a sudden release of energy or force.
    • To make an illegal payment, typically a secret commission or bribe, in return for facilitating a transaction or favor.
Usage and Examples

  • Verb (intransitive - recoil):

    • The rifle will kick back when you fire it, so hold it firmly against your shoulder.
    • The engine kicked back violently when he tried to start it with the choke on.

  • Verb (intransitive - illegal payment):

    • The contractor was accused of agreeing to kick back a portion of the payment to the city official.
    • Investigators found evidence that the company would kick back to secure the government contract.
Advanced Usage and Nuances

  • As a noun ('a kickback'): The word is commonly used as a noun to refer to the illegal payment itself.

    • He was arrested for accepting a kickback.
    • The scheme involved millions in kickbacks.

  • Informal/Idiomatic Use: In very casual contexts, "kick back" can mean to relax or rest (e.g., Let's just kick back and watch a movie). However, this is a distinct phrasal verb and not the primary meaning based on the provided reference definitions.

Variants and Related Words
  • Kickback (n): The noun form denoting the illegal payment or, less commonly, the recoil action.
    • The scandal revolved around illegal kickbacks.
  • Recoil (v/n): A synonym for the physical springing-back action.
  • Bribe (v/n): A synonym for the corrupt payment aspect.
Synonyms
  • For recoil: spring back, rebound, recoil.
  • For illegal payment: bribe, pay off, grease someone's palm (idiomatic).
Related Phrasal Verbs
  • Kick back (relax): To rest or relax in a leisurely way. (Note: This is a separate phrasal verb with a different meaning).
    • After work, I like to kick back with a good book.
Idioms and Fixed Expressions
  • "Kickback scheme": A plan or operation designed to facilitate the giving and receiving of illicit payments.
    • The mayor was implicated in a complex kickback scheme.
Verb
  1. spring back, as from a forceful thrust
    • The gun kicked back into my shoulder
  2. pay a kickback; make an illegal payment

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