backflip

[ bak-flip ]

/ ˈbækˌflɪp /

Save This Word!

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.

verb (used without object), back·flipped, back·flip·ping.

to perform a backflip: She backflipped off a bucking horse.

QUIZ

CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?

Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of backflip

First recorded in 1930–35; back² + flip¹

Words nearby backflip

backfill, backfire, backfist, backfit, backflash, backflip, back float, backflow, back focus, back foot, back formation

How to use backflip in a sentence

All of a sudden, Bowie did a giant backflip while letting out an awful yelp.
The Unsuccessful Intersection of Dogs and Technology|wsiler|July 17, 2021|Outside Online
These backflips into existing Disney IP have become a frustrating cinematic experiment.
Counterpoint: Disney’s Girlboss ‘Cruella’ Actually Rules|Kevin Fallon|May 28, 2021|The Daily Beast
The pandemic has business owners doing backflips to stay afloat.
‘I’ve Lost Everything That Basically Brings Someone Joy’|Brittany Cruz-Fejeran and Maya Srikrishnan|December 23, 2020|Voice of San Diego
That backflip in the performance of “Whistle” was really him.
Nolan Gerard Funk Romances Lindsay Lohan in ‘The Canyons’|Kevin Fallon|July 31, 2013|DAILY BEAST

Some calculating pol, realizing that his position had become unpopular or untenable, would execute a backflip off the high board.
The New Era of Evolution Helps Pols Switch Stance on Issues from Gay Marriage to Immigration|Howard Kurtz|April 3, 2013|DAILY BEAST
This is most obvious when expensive forms of trash are forced to backflip until they obviate their standard uses.
A Pictorial Ode to Michelle|Stanley Crouch|December 4, 2009|DAILY BEAST