flip out: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘flip out’ mean?
The idiom *flip out* means to suddenly become extremely angry, upset or excited about something. It often implies an exaggerated or over-the-top reaction to a situation.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "jump out" means to stand out or be noticeable due to its distinct or unusual characteristics.
The idiom "inside out" means to turn something or someone completely upside down or reverse the normal order, often to examine or understand it more thoroughly.
The idiom "hit the roof" means to become very angry or furious about something.
The idiom "have a fit" means to become extremely angry, upset, or emotional about something.
The idiom "go wild" means to become extremely excited or enthusiastic, often losing control of one's behavior or actions.
The idiom "go off at score" means to become very angry or upset about something.
The idiom "go batshit" means to become extremely angry or lose control in a crazy or irrational way.
The idiom "go off" means to explode, to suddenly start making a loud noise, or to become spoiled or rotten. It can also mean to happen or take place, especially in a surprising or unexpected way.
The idiom "get bent out of shape" means to become excessively upset, angry, or agitated over a minor issue or inconvenience.
Euphoric Origins
One related idiom to "flip out" is "flame up." Much like "flip out," "flame up" describes a sudden and intense emotional reaction. However, "flame up" often refers specifically to an outburst of anger or rage. It paints the image of a flame suddenly growing in intensity, representing the sudden surge of anger in an individual. While "flip out" encompasses a broader range of emotions, "flame up" focuses on the explosive nature of anger. Both idioms convey a sense of losing control and reacting in an extreme manner.
Another related idiom is "hit the roof." This phrase is often used to describe someone's extreme anger or frustration that causes them to reach their breaking point. It suggests that the person's anger has escalated to the point where it is as if they have physically hit the roof in their explosive reaction. Like "flip out," "hit the roof" conveys a sense of losing control and reacting in an exaggerated and unexpected way.
Similarly, the idiom "boil up" can be related to "flip out." When someone "boils up," they experience a gradual build-up of intense emotions that eventually culminate in an explosive reaction. It captures the idea of emotions simmering and bubbling beneath the surface before reaching a boiling point. This gradual progression of emotions leading to a sudden outburst is a parallel to the concept of "flipping out."
Lastly, the idiom "break out" also shares similarities with "flip out." While "break out" is often used to describe a sudden escape or eruption, it can also be used to depict a sudden outburst of emotions. Just like how a situation or event can "break out" unexpectedly, emotions can also "break out" in an uncontrolled and intense manner. "Break out" and "flip out" both convey the element of surprise and the suddenness of a reaction.
Overall, these idioms, including "flame up," "hit the roof," "boil up," and "break out," are all related to "flip out" in that they describe various ways in which emotions can escalate and result in an extreme and unexpected reaction. Whether it's a surge of anger, a breaking point, a gradual build-up, or a sudden eruption, these idioms capture the essence of losing control and reacting in an exaggerated manner.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "flip out" can be used in a sentence:
- When Sarah found out she had won the lottery, she completely flipped out with excitement.
- My dad is a perfectionist, and if my room isn't perfectly clean, he will flip out and start yelling.
- During the intense argument, Jack's anger reached its peak, and he flipped out, throwing things around the room.
More "Emotions" idioms
