kicked the tires

Meanings

1. 1phraseidiominformalfigurative

   Looked at something in a quick and not very serious way before deciding whether to buy or use it.

   Grammar: Used as a verb phrase; often follows 'have' or 'a chance to': We kicked the tires before buying.

   Patterns

   • kick the tires
   • kicked the tires on something
   • a chance to kick the tires

   We kicked the tires on a few used cars before choosing one.

   The manager kicked the tires of the new system for a week before approving it.

   He only kicked the tires, so he missed several important problems.

2. 2phraseidiominformalbusinessfigurative

   Did only a small amount of research or preparation, without going into detail.

   Grammar: Used in business or informal talk; often suggests the check was not thorough.

   Patterns

   • kick the tires on a deal
   • kicked the tires before investing

   The investors kicked the tires on the deal but did not sign anything.

   She kicked the tires on the proposal and then asked for more information.

Common combinations

kick the tires on something

They kicked the tires on the apartment before renting it.

a chance to kick the tires

The free trial gives you a chance to kick the tires.

just kick the tires

He only wanted to kick the tires, not make a final offer.

kick the tires before buying

It is wise to kick the tires before buying a used laptop.

Synonyms and how they differ

check out

More general and can be more thorough; 'kick the tires' suggests a quick, informal look.

test-drive

Used mainly for vehicles and means actually trying something; 'kick the tires' can mean only a quick look.

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “kicked the tires”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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