flip-flop

American  

[flip-flop] / ˈflɪpˌflɒp /

Also flip-flap

noun

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-flopped, flip-flopping

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

Etymology

Origin of flip-flop

First recorded in 1655–65

Example Sentences

He ignored him and then tried to be cutesy and then tried to piggyback on his disastrous Ukraine policy only to flip-flop days later.

From Salon

But so many gun owners sided with Grisham that the NRA quickly flip-flopped, saying its original opposition had been a mistake.

From Washington Post

Check out the Eastern Conference, where the Florida Panthers and Pittsburgh Penguins are flip-flopping daily for the No. 8 seeding.

From Seattle Times

As soon as Mr. DeSantis pivoted, the Trump campaign attacked him as a flip-flopping fake.

From New York Times

Wearing, Bev explained, the flip-flops she had just been weighed in, she ran over, jumped on to the truck, on which the ramp was still at an angle, and got into her car.

From BBC

Related Words

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