flip-flop

American  

[flip-flop] / ˈflɪpˌflɒp /

Also flip-flap

noun

flip-flops plural

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

2. a backward somersault.

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

4. 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.

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

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

7. 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.

8. (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.

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adverb

1. with repeated sounds and motions, as of something flapping.

verb (used without object)

flip-flops, present (3rd person singular) flip-flopped, past participle, past flip-flopping present participle

1. 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.

2. to execute a backward somersault.

3. to flap; bang to and fro.

   The door flip-flopped in the high wind.

flip-flop British  

noun

1. a backward handspring

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

3. informal a complete change of opinion, policy, etc

4. a repeated flapping or banging noise

5. 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

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verb

1. informal to make a complete change of opinion, policy, etc

2. to move with repeated flaps

adverb

1. with repeated flappings

   to go flip-flop

Other Word Forms

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• flip-flops
  plural

Participles

• flip-flopping
  present
• flip-flopped
  past

Conjugated Forms

Present

• flip-flop
  simple
• flip-flops
  simple
• have flip-flopped
  perfect
• has flip-flopped
  perfect
• am flip-flopping
  progressive
• are flip-flopping
  progressive
• is flip-flopping
  progressive
• have been flip-flopping
  perfect progressive
• has been flip-flopping
  perfect progressive

Past

• flip-flopped
  simple
• had flip-flopped
  perfect
• was flip-flopping
  progressive
• were flip-flopping
  progressive
• had been flip-flopping
  perfect progressive

Future

• will flip-flop
  simple
• will have flip-flopped
  perfect
• will be flip-flopping
  progressive
• will have been flip-flopping
  perfect progressive

Etymology

Origin of flip-flop

First recorded in 1655–65

Example Sentences

"And then that one show tides us over again for another couple of weeks. Every day is a flip flop of a situation."

From BBC • Mar. 22, 2024

As the Independent points out, Santos claims that his full name is George Anthony Devolder Santos, but the flip flop in usage is curious.

From Salon • Jan. 14, 2023

“We tend to flip flop a lot in November,” Guy said.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 7, 2021

Statistically, Mississippi State has the better defense, yet another flip flop for Leach and Saban teams.

From Washington Times • Oct. 29, 2020

Flip flop, flip flop; he tripped and fell flat on his tail.

From "Redwall" by Brian Jacques

Related Words

• U-turn
• about-face
• reversal
• turnabout
• volte-face