flip-flop
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.
(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.
with repeated sounds and motions, as of something flapping.
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.
Origin of flip-flop
1- Also flip-flap [flip-flap] /ˈflɪpˌflæp/ (for defs. 2, 5, 9, 12), flipflop (for defs. 6, 7).
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use flip-flop in a sentence
To my mind this is nothing compared to the flip-flops done lately by foreigners.
Sen. Paul has been getting a dunking in the media for his flip-flops on foreign policy.
In beige socks and black flip-flops, the man accused of bombing two U.S. embassies faced a judge in Manhattan.
Gripping His Koran, Anas al-Liby Has His Day in Court | Michael Daly | October 16, 2013 | THE DAILY BEASTHalie removed her flip-flops and continued barefoot up the middle of what really did seem to be her streets.
Of the reported 11 guests in attendance, according to The Telegraph, some wore flip-flops.
Keira Knightley Marries in Chanel; Neiman Marcus May Be Up For Sale | The Fashion Beast Team | May 6, 2013 | THE DAILY BEAST
In the loft a boy learns to turn flip-flops, and with a lariat rope he can make a trapeze.
Bill's School and Mine | William Suddards FranklinShe lay back in the weak sun with her eyes closed behind her shades, her toes wiggling in her flip-flops.
Little Brother | Cory DoctorowThe program can set, clear, or sense the individual flip-flops.
Preliminary Specifications: Programmed Data Processor Model Three (PDP-3) | Digital Equipment CorporationThe PDP-3 circuitry is the static type using saturating transistor flip-flops and, for the most part, transistor switch elements.
Preliminary Specifications: Programmed Data Processor Model Three (PDP-3) | Digital Equipment CorporationThe Control Element contains two six bit registers and several miscellaneous flip-flops.
Preliminary Specifications: Programmed Data Processor Model Three (PDP-3) | Digital Equipment Corporation
British Dictionary definitions for flip-flop
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
informal, mainly US to make a complete change of opinion, policy, etc
to move with repeated flaps
with repeated flappings: to go flip-flop
Origin of flip-flop
1Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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