kick-up

Definition

1. Noun (informal, chiefly US):
   • A noisy disturbance or quarrel: "kick-up" refers to a loud, disruptive argument or commotion, often involving heated disagreement or fuss.
   • A fuss or uproar: It can also mean an unnecessary or exaggerated display of anger or protest.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • There was a real kick-up at the meeting when the new policy was announced. (A loud argument erupted during the meeting.)
  • She made a big kick-up about the broken window, but it was an accident. (She created an unnecessary fuss over a minor issue.)

Advanced Usage

• "to have a kick-up": to engage in a noisy quarrel or disturbance.

  • The neighbours had a kick-up last night that woke everyone up. (They had a loud argument that disturbed the neighborhood.)

• "kick-up over nothing": a fuss about a trivial matter.

  • Don't cause a kick-up over nothing; it's just a small mistake. (Don't make a big deal out of a minor error.)

Variants and Related Words

• Kick (verb): to strike out with the foot.

  • He kicked the ball across the field. (He struck the ball with his foot.)

• Kickoff (noun): the start of an event, especially a sports match.

  • The kickoff for the game is at 3 PM. (The start of the game is at 3 PM.)

Synonyms

• Fuss: unnecessary excitement or activity.
• Ruckus: a noisy disturbance or commotion.
• Row: a noisy argument or quarrel (chiefly British).

Related Idioms

• Kick up a fuss: to complain or protest noisily.

  • She kicked up a fuss when her order was delayed. (She complained loudly about the delay.)

• Kick up a storm: to create a great disturbance or uproar.

  • The politician kicked up a storm with his controversial remarks. (He caused a major public outcry.)