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Phrase Meanings » kick back
What does "kick back" mean?
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Recoil unexpectedly and violently, as in This rifle kicks back a lot when you fire it. [Early 1800s]
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Return stolen property to the owner, as in The pawnbroker kicked back the paintings to the gallery. [Colloquial; first half of 1900s]
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Pay back a part of one's earnings, as in The workers were forced to kick back half their pay to the agent. [Colloquial; first half of 1900s]
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