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Difference between Kick one’s heels and Kick up one’s heels

kick one’s heels —(coll.) have nothing to do, especially while being kept waiting (also: cool one’s heels):

  • I had to kick my heels for nearly two hours before I could see the boss.

kick up one’s heels —(coll.) cast off one’s inhibitions and have a good time:

  • I took two weeks for my holidays and had a pleasant time kicking up my heels around the beaches of Majorca.