“Flip” – Meaning, Grammar, and Usage Examples

The word “flip” [flɪp] in English can be used as a verb, noun, and adjective. The primary meaning of “flip” as a verb is “to turn over” or “to toss.” It is often used to describe a quick motion or a change in position of something.

Grammar of the Word “Flip”

“Flip” can function as both a transitive and intransitive verb.

Transitive Verb:

• The cook flipped the pancake in the pan.
• She flipped the page of the book.

Intransitive Verb:

• The gymnast flipped in the air.
• The coin flipped and landed on heads.

Noun:

• He did a flip on the trampoline.
• The sudden flip in his attitude surprised everyone.

Adjective:

• His flip attitude annoyed the teacher.

Meanings and Usage Examples of “Flip”

Flip has several meanings depending on the context:

1. To turn over or cause to turn over with a sudden quick movement:
   • The chef flipped the omelet.
   • He flipped the coin to decide who goes first.
2. To perform a somersault or other acrobatic movement:
   • The diver flipped off the diving board.
   • The gymnast flipped effortlessly during her routine.
3. To go through the pages of a book, magazine, etc., quickly:
   • She flipped through the channels on TV.
   • I flipped through the book to find the chapter I needed.
4. To change suddenly or completely:
   • His mood flipped from happy to angry.
   • He flipped the switch and the room went dark.
5. Informal, disrespectful in a rude or cheeky manner:
   • His flip remarks were unappreciated.
   • His flip attitude got him into trouble.

Phrasal Verbs with “Flip”

Phrasal verbs with “flip” are quite rare, but there are some interesting ones that can be used in everyday language. Below are the main phrasal verbs with “flip,” their meanings, and usage examples.

1. Flip out

   • Meaning: To lose control, become very angry, or be very excited.
   • Example: When he heard the news, he flipped out.

2. Flip through

   • Meaning: To quickly look through (a book, magazine, etc.).
   • Example: She sat on the couch and flipped through the magazine.

3. Flip off

   • Meaning: To show the middle finger (a rude gesture).
   • Example: The driver flipped off the other car in anger.

4. Flip over

   • Meaning: To turn something over; to be impressed or excited by something.
   • Example: He flipped over the pancake to cook the other side.
   • Example: She flipped over the new song.

5. Flip back

   • Meaning: To return to a previous page or state.
   • Example: Flip back to the previous chapter if you didn’t understand this one.

6. Flip on

   • Meaning: To turn on (usually a light or electrical appliance).
   • Example: Could you flip on the lights? It’s getting dark in here.

7. Flip off

   • Meaning: To turn off (usually a light or electrical appliance).
   • Example: Don’t forget to flip off the lights before you leave.

8. Flip out over

   • Meaning: To react strongly to something, to be excited or overwhelmed by something.
   • Example: She flipped out over the surprise party.

Exercise for Reinforcing Phrasal Verbs with “Flip”

Fill in the blanks with the correct phrasal verbs with “flip”:

1. When he heard the shocking news, he completely _______.
2. She _______ the pages of the magazine while waiting for her appointment.
3. The impatient driver _______ the other car in frustration.
4. He carefully _______ the pancake to cook the other side.
5. If you don’t understand this part, you can always _______ to the previous chapter.
6. Could you _______ the lights? It’s too dark in here.
7. Please remember to _______ the lights before you leave the room.
8. She _______ when she saw the surprise gift.
9. The coin _______ in the air and landed on tails.
10. His _______ remarks during the meeting were not appreciated.

Answers

1. flipped out
2. flipped through
3. flipped off
4. flipped over
5. flip back
6. flip on
7. flip off
8. flipped out
9. flipped
10. flip