flip side

American  

noun

Informal.

1. the reverse and usually less popular side of a phonograph record.

2. an opposite, reverse, or sharply contrasted side or aspect of something or someone.

   The flip side of their charitable activities is a desire for publicity.

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flip side British  

noun

1. another term for B-side

2. another, less familiar aspect of a person or thing

   the flip side of John Lennon

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Etymology

Origin of flip side

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

On the flip side, a people-forward way of living, with a lot less technological intrusion, would definitely involve more annoyance.

From Salon • Apr. 13, 2026

The flip side was that bets on a wartime commodity shock got hammered, with a selloff ranging from international major oil companies like Exxon Mobil, Texas shale drillers such as Apache and natural-gas exporter Cheniere.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026

“But the flip side of that was being able to sort of hide out, and not show my face. I would just go on these long walks, weeping.”

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 31, 2026

On the flip side, they could play it very safe and bring in a veteran DJ like Tony Blackburn whose radio career spans more than 60 years.

From BBC • Mar. 31, 2026

Though, Otto supposed, the flip side was someone like Leen Ellison, who failed to keep her inventions contained anywhere, usually resulting in mayhem.

From "The Last Last-Day-of-Summer" by Lamar Giles