English Reference

Phrasal verb

flounce off

Definition

phrasal verb. to leave a place or a person in an angry or annoyed way, often moving your body to show you are upset.

phrasal verb. to depart in a sudden, impatient, or exaggeratedly indignant manner; often implies a performative display of resentment or wounded pride.

Examples

“She didn't like my answer, so she flounced off to her room.”

“After the manager rejected his request for a raise, Mark flounced off without saying goodbye to his colleagues.”

“Offended by the critic's dismissive tone, the artist gathered her belongings and flounced off, leaving the interviewers in stunned silence.”

Examples

simple

“She didn't like my answer, so she flounced off to her room.”

contextual

“After the manager rejected his request for a raise, Mark flounced off without saying goodbye to his colleagues.”

complex

“Offended by the critic's dismissive tone, the artist gathered her belongings and flounced off, leaving the interviewers in stunned silence.”

Usage

usually describes a physical movement that expresses a dramatic or childish emotional state.

Teaching tip

the verb 'flounce' suggests bouncy or jerky movements; help students visualize the physical 'drama' of the exit to distinguish it from a simple 'walk away'.

Pitfall

He flounced off the room.

He flounced off to his room.

'flounce off' is usually intransitive; use 'to' or 'into' if you want to mention the destination.

Phrasal verb

Particles

off

Separability

inseparable

Pattern

flounce + off

Synonyms

storm outstomp awaymarch off

Antonyms

Grammar

This entry

Level
C1 · Advanced
Updated

Scan code

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English Reference