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kick in

Phrasal verbLevel B2

When something kicks in, it starts to work or take effect.

The painkiller takes about twenty minutes to kick in.

'Kick in' means to start having an effect. Use it for coffee, medicine, heating or a feeling.

Comic strip. Amira: I'm so tired. I need my coffee to kick in. Mei: Kick in? I can do that for you! Kofi: Lol! No! Steventeacher: 'Kick in' means start to work. No kicking needed! Amira: There it is. The coffee is finally kicking in!
Steventeacher explains “kick in”.
Your turn
What takes a long time to kick in for you in the morning?

More phrasal verbs

meet halfwayPhrasal verb · B1

To reach a compromise where each side gives a little.

put (someone) offPhrasal verb · B2

To make someone not want to do something or not like something.

put up withPhrasal verb · B1

To accept something annoying without complaining or leaving.