- 1[intransitive, transitive] to turn over into a different position with a sudden quick movement; to make something do this The plane flipped and crashed. (figurative) She felt her heart flip (= with excitement, etc.). flip something (+ adj.) He flipped the lid open and looked inside the case. see also flip over
- 2[transitive] to press a button or switch in order to turn a machine, etc. on or off synonym flick flip something to flip a switch flip something on/off She reached over and flipped off the light.
- 3[transitive] to throw something somewhere using your thumb and/or fingers synonym toss flip a coin They flipped a coin to decide who would get the ticket. flip something + adv./prep. He flipped the keys onto the desk.
- 4[intransitive] flip (out) (informal) to become very angry, excited or unable to think clearly She finally flipped under the pressure. He completely flipped when he saw the mess in the kitchen. See related entries: Excitement, Anger Word Originmid 16th cent. (as a verb in the sense ‘make a flick with the finger and thumb’): probably a contraction of fillip.Idioms
flip
verbBrE BrE//flɪp//; NAmE NAmE//flɪp//
Verb Forms present simple I / you / we / they flip BrE BrE//flɪp//; NAmE NAmE//flɪp//
he / she / it flips BrE BrE//flɪps//; NAmE NAmE//flɪps//
past simple flipped BrE BrE//flɪpt//; NAmE NAmE//flɪpt//
past participle flipped BrE BrE//flɪpt//; NAmE NAmE//flɪpt//
-ing form flipping BrE BrE//ˈflɪpɪŋ//; NAmE NAmE//ˈflɪpɪŋ//
Excitement, Anger(informal) to become very angry and lose control of what you are saying or doing She’ll flip her lid when she finds out. See related entries: Anger Phrasal Verbsflip overflip through
Check pronunciation: flip
