flip-flop

noun

ˈflip-ˌfläp 

1

: the sound or motion of something flapping loosely

2

a

: a backward handspring

b

: a sudden reversal (as of policy or strategy)

3

: a usually electronic device or a circuit (as in a computer) capable of assuming either of two stable states

4

: a rubber sandal loosely fastened to the foot by a thong

flip-flop intransitive verb

Synonyms

• about-face
• about-turn [British]
• reversal
• turnabout
• turnaround
• U-turn
• volte-face

Examples of flip-flop in a Sentence

the governor's frequent flip-flops would indicate that she has no core beliefs

Recent Examples on the Web

The regular-season finale tape alone should not determine who wins the job — and Spagnuolo has been quick all year to flip-flop the two during the game, even going to Keith Taylor in the red zone. —Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 6 Jan. 2025

That 30-24 loss and the Buccaneers’ 48-14 trouncing of Carolina led to a flip-flop in the NFC South standings. —Mike Jones, The Athletic, 5 Jan. 2025

Scott Wedgewood was walking around the Colorado Avalanche facility Friday in flip-flops, a pretty encouraging sign for a goaltender who left Ball Arena the night before in a walking boot. —Corey Masisak, The Denver Post, 3 Jan. 2025

His TikTok flip-flop was a surprise given his bullish approach to China. —Avery Lotz, Axios, 22 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1600, in the meaning defined at sense 1