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).
Words Nearby flip-flop
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
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 | THE DAILY BEASTEven 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 | THE DAILY BEASTEarnest attempts at spin aside, the facts lead directly to accusations of a flip-flop.
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 | THE DAILY BEASTFor Leibler, there is more at stake in the last minute flip-flop than a single U.N. resolution.
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 YoungI 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 YoungIt wobbled and twisted, turned half a flip-flop, righted itself and was at the dark antagonist once more.
Witches Cove | Roy J. SnellThe 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 CorporationThis 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
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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