flip-flop

[ flip-flop ]

/ ˈflɪpˌflɒp /

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See synonyms for: flip-flop / flip-flopped / flip-flopping / flip-flops on Thesaurus.com

noun

Informal. a sudden or unexpected reversal, as of direction, belief, attitude, or policy.

a backward somersault.

Also called flip-flop circuit. Electronics. an electronic circuit having two stable conditions, each one corresponding to one of two alternative input signals.

any of several similar devices having two alternative states, the change of state being caused by some input signal or by some change of input.

the sound and motion of something flapping, as a windblown shutter; a banging to and fro.

any backless, usually open-toed flat shoe or slipper.

a flat, backless rubber sandal, usually secured on the foot by a thong between the first two toes, as for use at a beach, swimming pool, etc.Compare thong, zori.

(in advertising) a display or presentation, usually on an easel, consisting of a series of pages hinged at the top and flipped over in sequence.

adverb

with repeated sounds and motions, as of something flapping.

verb (used without object), flip-flopped, flip-flop·ping.

Informal. to make a sudden or unexpected reversal, as of direction, belief, attitude, or policy: The opposition claimed that the president had flip-flopped on certain issues.

to execute a backward somersault.

to flap; bang to and fro: The door flip-flopped in the high wind.

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Question 1 of 7

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His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Also flip-flap

[flip-flap] /ˈflɪpˌflæp/ (for defs. 2, 5, 9, 12), flipflop (for defs. 6, 7).

Origin of flip-flop

First recorded in 1655–65

Words nearby flip-flop

Flintshire, flinty, flip, flipbook, flip chart, flip-flop, flip-flopper, flip one's lid, flippant, flipper, flipping

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use flip-flop in a sentence

Everyone dressed appropriately and even impeccably—not a flip-flop in sight.
The Exciting-but-Depressing Obama-Tumblr Student-Loan Summit|Kelly Williams Brown|June 11, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Even Mitt Romney waited more than two years to flip-flop on key issues.
‘Bridgegate’ Won’t Be the End of Christie 2016, but the DREAM Act Could Be|Dean Obeidallah|January 8, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Earnest attempts at spin aside, the facts lead directly to accusations of a flip-flop.
Holder, Carney Under Attack as Scandal-Gate Widens|John Avlon|May 14, 2013|DAILY BEAST
The press would blow the whistle on this naked opportunism, and the flip-flop police would beat him senseless.
The New Era of Evolution Helps Pols Switch Stance on Issues from Gay Marriage to Immigration|Howard Kurtz|April 3, 2013|DAILY BEAST

For Leibler, there is more at stake in the last minute flip-flop than a single U.N. resolution.
Throwing Netanyahu Under Abbas|Mark Baker|December 7, 2012|DAILY BEAST
The cowboys, gathered in a wide circle about the machine, looked on in anticipation of seeing the auto do a flip-flop.
The Motor Boys Overland|Clarence Young
I didnt promise to make the auto turn a flip-flop, I only asked them if they ever saw it done.
The Motor Boys Overland|Clarence Young
It wobbled and twisted, turned half a flip-flop, righted itself and was at the dark antagonist once more.
Witches Cove|Roy J. Snell
The overflow flip-flop is not cleared by arithmetic operations which do not cause an overflow.
Preliminary Specifications: Programmed Data Processor Model Three (PDP-3)|Digital Equipment Corporation
This flip-flop is set by addition, subtraction, or division that exceeds the capacity of the Accumulator.
Preliminary Specifications: Programmed Data Processor Model Three (PDP-3)|Digital Equipment Corporation

British Dictionary definitions for flip-flop

flip-flop

noun

a backward handspring

Also called: bistable an electronic device or circuit that can assume either of two stable states by the application of a suitable pulse

informal, mainly US a complete change of opinion, policy, etc

a repeated flapping or banging noise

Also called (US, Canadian, Austral, and NZ): thong a rubber-soled sandal attached to the foot by a thong between the big toe and the next toe

verb -flops, -flopping or -flopped (intr)

informal, mainly US to make a complete change of opinion, policy, etc

to move with repeated flaps

adverb

with repeated flappingsto go flip-flop

Word Origin for flip-flop

C16: reduplication of flip

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

flip-flop

Origin of flip-flop

Words nearby flip-flop

Words related to flip-flop

How to use flip-flop in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for flip-flop

Word Origin for flip-flop