Word
backflip
Phoneticsback·flip
/ˈbækˌflɪp/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a jump where you flip your body backward in the air and land on your feet. You might see this in gymnastics, dancing, or extreme sports.
n. a backward somersault performed in the air, typically starting and ending in a standing position. Frequently used metaphorically to describe a sudden and complete reversal of an opinion or policy.
Examples
“He can do a perfect backflip on the trampoline.”
“The gymnast executed a flawless backflip during her floor routine, earning a high score from the judges.”
“The politician performed a sudden backflip on his environmental policy after facing intense pressure from local business leaders and lobbyists.”
Examples
simple
“He can do a perfect backflip on the trampoline.”
contextual
“The gymnast executed a flawless backflip during her floor routine, earning a high score from the judges.”
complex
“The politician performed a sudden backflip on his environmental policy after facing intense pressure from local business leaders and lobbyists.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “backflip” in context.
Verb
01. attempt backflip
“Do not attempt a backflip without proper supervision and safety mats.”
verb + noun
02. backflip into
“He decided to backflip into the pool to impress his friends.”
verb + prep
03. backflip off
“The kids were daring each other to backflip off the high diving board.”
verb + prep
04. execute backflip
“Divers must execute a backflip with precision to score high points.”
verb + noun
05. perform backflip
“The cheerleader managed to perform a backflip during the halftime show.”
verb + noun
Adjective
06. political backflip
“The prime minister was criticized for a sudden political backflip on tax policy.”
adj + noun
07. spectacular backflip
“The gymnast executed a spectacular backflip that left the crowd cheering.”
adj + noun
08. standing backflip
“He practiced for months before he could land a perfect standing backflip.”
adj + noun
Noun
09. series of backflips
“The acrobat finished her routine with a rapid series of backflips.”
noun + prep + noun
10. do a complete backflip
“The government has done a complete backflip on its promise to lower tuition fees.”
11. land a backflip
“It took him dozens of tries before he could finally land a backflip on solid ground.”
12. stunning backflip on policy
“The council's stunning backflip on policy surprised local residents.”
Usage
Commonly used as a verb ('to backflip') to describe the physical act or a sudden change in decision.
Real-World Examples
“If that wasn't enough, in the team event he also landed the first legal backflip at an Olympic Games since US champion Terry Kubicka in 1976 - after which it was banned for safety reasons.” “Instead she decided to perform a backflip, landing on one blade.” “The backflip is back in play after having been banned by the ISU in Olympic competition since 1977.” “He performed a backflip for the crowd's entertainment, but it seemed like a forlorn call to the good times of only last week.” Etymology
From back- + flip, first recorded as a compound in the late 19th century.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/backflip