From Longman Dictionary of Contemporary Englishflipflip1 /flɪp/ ●○○ verb (flipped, flipping) 1 move [intransitive, transitive always + adverb/preposition] to move something with a quick sudden movement so that it is in a different position He flipped the top off the bottle and poured himself a drink. She flipped the lid of the box open and looked inside.flip over He flipped the paper over and started writing on the back.2 turn in the air [transitive] to make a flat object such as a coin go upwards and turn over in the air SYN toss We flipped a coin to see who would go first. There’s quite an art to flipping pancakes.3 angry [intransitive] informalANGRYUPSET to suddenly become very angry or upset SYN lose it I just flipped and started shouting.4 turn a switch [transitive]SWITCH ON OR OFF to move a switch so that a machine or piece of electrical equipment starts or stops SYN flick Anna flipped the switch that opened the front gate.flip something on/off Josie flipped on the radio.5 turn pages [intransitive, transitive] to turn the pages of a book or newspaper quickly, especially because you are looking for something He picked up the newspaper and flipped straight to the sports pages.flip through I flipped through my address book but couldn’t find her phone number. 6 [transitive] American English to buy a house and then sell it again quickly for a profit, usually after improving it7 → flip your lid → flip somebody ↔ off→ See Verb table
Examples from the Corpus
flip• Though he has flipped and flopped on many issues, he has stuck to beliefs typical of farm-belt Republicanism.• She flipped her mind and the handle came back, a size or two too large.• When Jerry found out about the money we took, he completely flipped his lid.• I shake my head at the pill, and he flips it off the bed like it was a bug pestering him.• Moments before touchdown, he flipped on the aircraft landing lights.• The guy just flipped out and started shooting.• I flipped over the card to see what was written on the other side.• They flip the embroidered cover off the stereo.• I flipped the machine off and stared at it.• She flipped the pancakes over with one smooth movement.• Come help me flip this mattress.• I started to flip through it, but I didn't know where to begin.flip over• The whole helicopter flipped over and landed in a field upside down.flipped ... coin• In the end we flipped a coin.• If memory serves, we actually went into the hall and flipped a coin. flip something on/off• I flipped the answering machine off and stared at it.flipflip2 noun [countable] 1 TURNan action in which you make a flat object such as a coin go upwards and turn over in the air SYN toss In the end the decision was made by the flip of a coin.2 DSJUMPa movement in which you jump up and turn over in the air, so that your feet go over your head SYN somersault I tripped and almost did a backward flip down the stairs.3 an action in which you turn the pages of a book or newspaper quickly, especially because you are looking for something SYN flickflip through I had a quick flip through my cookery books and found a recipe that sounded quite nice.Examples from the Corpus
flip• It'll be decided by a flip of a coin.• Any flip of the remote control will serve up countless images of graphic violence.• a backward flip• The guys tapped on their heels, balanced precariously and even attempted a few body flips.• His craggy features dissolved into a breathtakingly attractive smile, and Robbie felt her insides give the oddest little flip.flipflip3 adjective informal not said or meant seriously SYN flippant I was fed up with his flip comments.Examples from the Corpus
flip• Manion drew two equations on the flip chart.• On the flip side is the Hong Kong flag, also red but with five leaves forming a star.• But the good news is the flip side of the bad: every change creates new needs.• The flip side of virtue is pride.From Longman Business Dictionaryflipflip /flɪp/ verb (past tense and past participle flipped, present participle flipping) [transitive] FINANCE to buy shares and sell them soon after to make a quick profitSome speculative accounts were flipping the stock for a profit —flipper noun [countable]Stock jumped as high as $33 in frenetic trading as flippers -- investors who buy a hot deal and then immediately sell it for a quick profit -- turned over their shares.→ See Verb tableOrigin flip (1500-1600) Probably from the sound Flip (1900-2000) Filipino 