Flip
/flɪp/
Definitions
3 meaningsTo turn something over quickly, often with a snapping or jerky motion.
/flɪp/
To turn over quickly
She flipped the switch to turn on the lights.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're cooking pancakes. When you toss one in the air to cook the other side, that's a flip! Also, when you turn a page, you're flipping it.
👶 For kids: To turn something over fast, like when you turn a pancake or a page in a book.
More Examples
He flipped the page to continue reading.
The chef flipped the burgers on the grill.
How It's Used
"He flipped the pancake in the air."
"The gymnast flipped in the air during her routine."
To move or react suddenly and often nervously; to lose one's temper or composure.
/flɪp/
To move suddenly or jerkily
He flipped out when he saw the unexpected bill.
💡 Simply: Sometimes, when something surprises you or makes you upset, you might 'flip out,' which means to become very angry or excited. A bird might 'flip' its wings to take off.
👶 For kids: To move fast or suddenly, like when you're excited or angry, or when a bird flaps its wings.
More Examples
The fish flipped in the boat as it was caught.
The politician flipped on his previous statement.
How It's Used
"The bird flipped its wings and flew away."
"He flipped out when he heard the news."
A quick and sudden movement or turn.
/flɪp/
A quick, sudden movement
The gymnast's flip was amazing.
💡 Simply: A 'flip' is like a quick turn or a fast movement. Like when you flip a coin, or when a gymnast does a somersault.
👶 For kids: A fast turn or move, like when you turn a coin over or do a somersault.
More Examples
He did a flip of the coin to decide.
The unexpected turn of events was a surprising flip.
How It's Used
"He performed a perfect flip in the gymnastics competition."
"The coin made a flip in the air."
Idioms & expressions
flip out
To become very angry, upset, or excited.
"She flipped out when she saw the price tag."
flip through
To quickly look through the pages of a book or magazine.
"I flipped through the magazine while waiting for the doctor."
flip the script
To radically change a situation or the dynamics of a relationship.
"The new policy flipped the script and benefited the employees."
From Middle English *flippen*, of imitative origin, likely related to 'flap' and 'flibbertigibbet'.
The verb 'flip' has been used since the late 16th century, initially referring to a sudden movement or a quick turn. The usage has expanded over time.
Memory tip
Imagine a pancake being tossed in the air and turning over - that's a flip!
Word Origin
"To move with a sudden motion; also, to turn or reverse."