backflip

[ bak-flip ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

a backward somersault.
a dive executed by somersaulting backward.
Informal. a complete reversal in attitude or policy:
Some committee members did sudden backflips, urging spending cuts instead of expanded programs.

, back·flipped, back·flip·ping.

First recorded in 1930–35; back ² + flip ¹

That backflip in the performance of “Whistle” was really him.

Some calculating pol, realizing that his position had become unpopular or untenable, would execute a backflip off the high board.

This is most obvious when expensive forms of trash are forced to backflip until they obviate their standard uses.

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