Phrasal verb
flip out
Informal
Definition
phrasal verb. to suddenly become very angry, excited, or scared and lose control of your emotions.
phrasal verb. to react with sudden, intense emotion or irrational behavior; typically functions as an intransitive phrasal verb indicating a loss of composure.
Examples
“My mom will flip out if she sees this mess.”
“He completely flipped out when he realized he had lost his passport just hours before the flight.”
“The crowd flipped out as the lead singer unexpectedly jumped into the front row during the final chorus of the set.”
Examples
simple
“My mom will flip out if she sees this mess.”
contextual
“He completely flipped out when he realized he had lost his passport just hours before the flight.”
complex
“The crowd flipped out as the lead singer unexpectedly jumped into the front row during the final chorus of the set.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “flip out” in context.
Verb
01. flip out about the news
“There is no need to flip out about the news until we have all the facts.”
verb + prep + noun
02. flip out and scream
“He is the type of person to flip out and scream at anyone who disagrees with him.”
verb + and + verb
03. make someone flip out
“The loud noise made the cat flip out and run under the sofa.”
verb + noun + infinitive
Adverb
04. completely flip out
“My dad completely flipped out when he saw the scratch on his new car.”
adv + verb
05. nearly flip out
“I nearly flipped out when I thought I had lost my passport at the airport.”
adv + verb
06. totally flip out
“I think she might totally flip out if we tell her the concert is canceled.”
adv + verb
Usage
usually used without an object to describe a person's sudden emotional reaction.
Teaching tip
contrast with 'freak out' (very similar) and 'lose it'; 'flip out' often implies a more explosive or visible reaction than just being worried.
Pitfall
He flipped out his boss.
He flipped out at his boss.
when directed at a person, the preposition 'at' is required because the verb is intransitive in this sense.
Phrasal verb
Particles
out
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
flip + out
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
- 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
- Level
- B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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