Translation guide
The English phrasal verb 'kick up' has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common uses for learners: causing something to rise into the air, increasing or intensifying something, causing trouble or a fuss, and a few other specific expressions.
To make something (dust, dirt, leaves, etc.) fly up by kicking or with a similar motion.
Literally 'kick up'. Used when the action is a deliberate kick.
He kicked the ball up.
Means 'to send something flying up', often used for dust, sand, or leaves stirred up by wind or movement.
The car kicked up a cloud of dust.
To swirl up, whip up (dust, water, etc.). Often implies a strong force.
The strong wind kicked up the fallen leaves.
To raise the level, intensity, or amount of something (e.g., effort, speed, prices).
A general verb meaning 'to raise'. Combine with a noun to specify what is being increased.
We need to kick up production.
Pattern meaning 'to do something even more' or 'to step up'. Used with verbs.
He kicked up his efforts.
To intensify, escalate. Often used for conflicts, competition, or natural phenomena.
The wind suddenly kicked up.
To create a disturbance, protest, or commotion.
Literally 'to cause a commotion'. A natural way to say 'kick up a fuss'.
He kicked up a fuss over a trivial matter.
To make a big fuss, to raise a ruckus.
The kids kicked up a storm over the new toy.
To stir up controversy or public discussion. More formal and often used in media contexts.
The remark kicked up a controversy.
To move one's leg upward in a kicking motion.
Describes the physical action of kicking one's leg up.
The dancer kicked up her leg high.
To have a lively, enjoyable time, often after a period of work.
English idioms like 'kick up a fuss' or 'kick up one's heels' do not translate literally into Japanese. Use the equivalent expressions provided instead.
パーティーで大いに楽しんだ。
We really kicked up our heels at the party.