How to Use the Phrase “Get a Kick Out of It”?

Learning English phrases can be fun and engaging, especially when they add a colorful touch to your writing and speaking. One such phrase is “Get a kick out of it”. This idiom is not just colloquial but can also be used effectively to add some sparkle to your IELTS exam responses.

Understanding “Get a Kick Out of It”

“Get a kick out of it” is an idiomatic expression, which means to enjoy something or find it entertaining. It’s often used informally to express that something is amusing or brings pleasure to someone.

Synonyms and Antonyms

Let’s explore some synonyms and antonyms to get a deeper understanding of “get a kick out of it”:

1. Enjoy /ɪnˈdʒɔɪ/ (Verb)

   • To take pleasure in something.
   • Example: She really enjoys playing the piano.

2. Delight in /dɪˈlaɪt ɪn/ (Phrasal Verb)

   • To take great pleasure in.
   • Example: John delights in watching science fiction movies.

3. Have fun /hæv fʌn/ (Phrasal Verb)

   • To have a good time.
   • Example: They always have fun at the amusement park.

Antonyms:

1. Dislike /dɪsˈlaɪk/ (Verb)

   • To not like.
   • Example: Mary dislikes eating broccoli.

2. Loathe /loʊð/ (Verb)

   • To feel intense dislike or disgust for.
   • Example: He loathes doing the laundry.

Usage in IELTS

Definition and Pronunciation

“Get a kick out of it”

• Pronunciation: /ɡɛt ə kɪk aʊt ʌv ɪt/
• Meaning: To find pleasure or enjoyment in something.

Popularity in IELTS

This idiomatic expression, while colloquial, might find its place in the Speaking and Writing sections of the IELTS if the context is informal enough. Here’s an analysis:

1. Speaking Test:

   • Part 1: Here, topics are often personal. You might be asked about your hobbies or interests, where you could use this phrase.
   • Part 2: You might be asked to talk about an enjoyable experience.
   • Part 3: Discussions about broader themes where personal anecdotes are relevant.

2. Writing Test:

   • Task 1: Less likely to be used in formal reports.
   • Task 2: Possible in an informal argumentative essay if the style allows it.

Applying “Get a Kick Out of It” in IELTS Responses

Speaking Test Examples

1. Part 1 Example:

   • Examiner: “What do you do in your free time?”
   • Candidate: “I usually read books. I just get a kick out of diving into different worlds through literature.”

2. Part 2 Example:

   • Task: Describe a hobby you enjoy.
   • Candidate: “I love hiking. I get a kick out of exploring new trails and being close to nature.”

3. Part 3 Example:

   • Examiner: “Do you think hobbies should be educational?”
   • Candidate: “While it’s beneficial, I believe the primary goal of a hobby is enjoyment. If someone gets a kick out of something, even if it’s not educational, it fulfills its purpose.”

Writing Test Examples

1. Task 2 Example:
   • Essay Topic: “Some people think leisure activities should be for relaxation. Do you agree?”
   • Sample Response: “Leisure activities serve as a way to unwind from daily stress. Whether one finds solace in reading, painting, or even gaming, the critical aspect is that they get a kick out of it.”

Combining Keywords and Phrases

To enhance your IELTS vocabulary, it’s important to know how to combine “get a kick out of it” with other phrases:

1. “She gets a kick out of”

   • Example: “She gets a kick out of preparing elaborate dishes for her friends.”

2. “He’s someone who gets a kick out of”

   • Example: “He’s someone who gets a kick out of solving complex mathematical problems.”

3. “We always get a kick out of”

   • Example: “We always get a kick out of watching old comedies together.”

Related Idioms and Expressions

1. On cloud nine: Extremely happy.

   • Example: She was on cloud nine after scoring high in the IELTS.

2. Over the moon: Very pleased.

   • Example: He was over the moon when he received the job offer.

3. In seventh heaven: In a state of extreme happiness.

   • Example: They were in seventh heaven during their vacation.

4. Jump for joy: To be very happy and excited about something.

   • Example: She could not help but jump for joy upon hearing the good news.

5. Be on top of the world: To feel incredibly happy.

   • Example: After winning the competition, he felt like he was on top of the world.

Conclusion

Understanding and using the idiom “get a kick out of it” can provide a casual yet expressive way to convey enjoyment in your IELTS tests. While it’s more suited to the Speaking section, knowing how to appropriately integrate it into conversations can boost your confidence and help you stand out. Continue practicing different idioms and phrases to make your language use more vibrant and interesting.

For further practice, try incorporating this idiom into your daily conversations or writing:

Sample IELTS Writing Task:

• Topic: “Discuss the impact of hobbies on personal development.”
• Incorporate the idiom: “Hobbies not only provide relaxation but also contribute to personal growth. When individuals get a kick out of their preferred activities, they often develop new skills and insights that can benefit various aspects of their lives.”

Person enjoying a leisure activity

By following these tips and examples, you will be well on your way to mastering this idiomatic expression and many others. Good luck with your studies!