Kick up Definition 1 of 4Pro Tip 1/3Negative Emotion Used when someone shows strong dissatisfaction or objection. He's likely to kick up a fuss if we arrive late. Pro Tip 2/3Exaggeration Possible Sometimes 'kick up' implies the reaction is bigger than expected. She didn't just complain, she kicked up a storm at the meeting. Pro Tip 3/3Verbal Disruption Can suggest disrupting a situation by speaking out. When he's unhappy, he has a habit of kicking up trouble.