flip

To turn something over or move it quickly with a small movement.

• Flip the pancake now.
• She flipped the card over to read the answer.
• He flipped the switch and the lights came on.

How to use it: flip something over (Flip the paper over and sign your name.)

Similar words: turn over, flick

Common phrases: flip something over, flip a switch, flip a pancake

If something does this, it turns over quickly.

• The boat flipped over.
• Their car flipped when it hit the barrier.
• The board flipped in the wind and landed upside down.

How to use it: flip over (The canoe flipped over in the rough water.)

Similar words: overturn, turn over

Common phrases: flip over, flip upside down

To send a small object spinning into the air with your thumb and finger.

• Let’s flip a coin.
• She flipped a coin and caught it.
• He flipped the token into the air with his thumb.

Similar words: toss

Common phrases: flip a coin, flip something up

To suddenly become extremely angry or upset.

• Dad will flip when he sees this mess.
• She flipped out after losing her phone.
• I nearly flipped when I heard the repair cost.

How to use it: flip out (He flipped out when someone scratched his car.)

Similar words: lose it, go crazy

Common phrases: flip out, really flip

To give evidence against other people involved in your crime in exchange for better treatment.

• One gang member agreed to flip.
• The suspect flipped on his boss to get a shorter sentence.
• Police hoped another prisoner would flip before the trial.

How to use it: flip on someone (He flipped on his partners after the police arrested him.)

Similar words: turn informer

Common phrases: flip on someone, agree to flip

A jump in which your body turns completely over in the air.

• She did a flip on the trampoline.
• His first flip ended with a perfect landing.
• Can you do two flips in a row?

Similar words: somersault

Common phrases: do a flip, forward flip, back flip

A small, sudden movement, often of the hand or wrist.

• A flip of her wrist opened the fan.
• He moved his hair with a flip of his head.
• One quick flip sent the paper across the desk.

Similar words: flick

Common phrases: quick flip, flip of something, wrist flip

An action that turns an object over, often by tossing it into the air.

• A coin flip decided who went first.
• He turned the pancake with one flip.
• After several flips, the card landed face up.

Similar words: toss

Common phrases: coin flip, flip of something, single flip