# flick over

CEFR B2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/flick-over
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

to change the television channel quickly, often using a remote control.

For teachers: to change a television channel or radio station, typically in a casual or rapid manner; primarily British English usage.

## Examples

- I flick over to the news when the adverts start.
- He flicked over to the other channel to see if the football match had started yet.
- While waiting for the main feature to begin, she flicked over to a documentary about deep-sea exploration but found it equally unengaging.

## Pitfalls

- Not "I flicked over the channel 4." but "I flicked over to channel 4." — the preposition 'to' is necessary when mentioning the destination channel.

## Usage notes

- often used with 'to' followed by the specific channel or program.
- Teaching tip: contrast with 'flick through' (used for magazines or books); this phrasal verb is a great example of how 'flick' suggests a quick, light movement of the finger on a remote.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.