to kick the tires

Examples

• All

• Kick the tires, see if it's an idea worth bringing to Harcourt.

  I Don't Know How She Does It (2011)

• Whoever needs to kick the tires on this thing.

  Gold (2016)

• I am kicking the tires on a couple deals.

  Tower Heist (2011)

• If we are still going to sign pitching, why not kick the tires on Haren?

  Blog text (34)

• We have SP9 on a test server and have started to kick the tires.

  Blog text (8)

• The only concern I have about Winslow is his knees, but why not kick the tires?

  Blog text (26)

• When players like that are even remotely available, I think it doesn't hurt to kick the tires.

  Blog text (33)

• It gave the organization the chance to kick the tires of putting the internet and retailing together for the first time.

  Blog text (22)

• Before finalizing the purchase, you should always kick the tires and ensure everything is working properly.

• When considering a new investment, it's wise to kick the tires and assess its potential risks and rewards.

Synonyms

C

to check

vsto kick the tires

∞ 1.0

Examine something to make sure it is correct or true

is a more casual test often done before a purchase decision

C

to check out

vsto kick the tires

∞ 2.5

To look at or test something to learn more about it

is more informal and often done before deciding or buying

E

to evaluate

vsto kick the tires

335 3.2

To judge how good or useful something is

is less formal and focuses on a quick practical check before buying

A

to assess

vsto kick the tires

296 3.0

Estimate how much a thing is worth or how good it is

is more informal and usually means a simple hands-on test first

S

to survey

vsto kick the tires

59 3.3

To look at something carefully to see what it is like

is typically a briefer, informal practical check before deciding

T

to take for a spin

vsto kick the tires

• Informal

23 4.2

To test a car or gadget by using it for a short time

is a more casual, idiomatic act often used before purchasing

C

to check over

vsto kick the tires

10 2.8

To look at something carefully to find mistakes or problems

is usually quicker and more informal than a thorough inspection

T

to test drive

vsto kick the tires

9 3.1

To take a car for a short ride to check how it feels and works

is a general informal test applied to many items, not only vehicles

C

to check through

vsto kick the tires

4 3.2

To look at something carefully and check all its parts

focuses on quick practical testing rather than exhaustive review

Antonyms

I

to ignore

∞ 1.0

Choose not to pay attention to someone or something

O

to overlook

243 2.9

To not notice someone or something you should see

How Thorough

to put through its paces

1 6.5

to inspect

202 2.5

test

∞ 1.0

to kick the tires

• Informal

3 6.7

to try out

229 2.8

to glance at

150 2.0

Surface Forms

Morphology

Etymology