backflip
C1Informal to Neutral
Definition
Meaning
A movement in which a person leaps into the air, rotates backwards in a full circle, and lands on their feet.
A sudden, complete reversal of a position, opinion, or policy; a dramatic and often opportunistic change of mind.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a noun. The verb 'to backflip' is derived from the noun and is common. The metaphorical sense is used critically, implying inconsistency or lack of principle.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning. The metaphorical use is equally common in both varieties. Spelling is identical.
Connotations
Metaphorical use carries a negative connotation of political or corporate opportunism in both varieties.
Frequency
Slightly more common in sports contexts (gymnastics, diving, extreme sports) in everyday speech. Metaphorical use is frequent in political and media discourse.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
to do/perform a backflipto backflip on [an issue/promise]a backflip by [person/organisation]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “do a complete backflip”
- “pull a political backflip”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
'The CEO's backflip on the merger deal shocked investors.' Used to describe sudden strategic reversals.
Academic
Rare in formal academic writing, except in political science or media analysis as a descriptive metaphor.
Everyday
'My toddler did a sort of backflip off the sofa.' Commonly used for the physical feat in casual conversation.
Technical
A specific skill in gymnastics, diving, trampolining, freestyle skiing (as a 'backflip mute grab'), and tricking.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The government has backflipped on its pledge to cut fuel duty.
- The skateboarder attempted to backflip over the ramp.
American English
- The senator totally backflipped on the healthcare bill.
- Can you believe he backflipped off the diving board?
adverb
British English
- N/A (not standard)
American English
- N/A (not standard)
adjective
British English
- N/A (not standard). Use 'backflip' as a noun modifier: 'a backflip move', 'a backflip policy'.
American English
- N/A (not standard). Use 'backflip' as a noun modifier: 'a backflip trick', 'a backflip decision'.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The gymnast can do a backflip.
- Look at the dog! It almost did a backflip!
- He was so happy he felt like doing a backflip.
- Performing a backflip on the trampoline is difficult.
- The company's sudden backflip on its environmental policy angered many customers.
- The freerunner executed a perfect backflip from the low wall.
- Critics accused the minister of a cynical backflip designed solely to win popular support ahead of the election.
- The athlete's signature move is a double backflip with a twist.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'FLIPping BACK' onto your feet.
Conceptual Metaphor
A CHANGE OF DIRECTION/MIND IS A PHYSICAL ROTATION (e.g., 'He flipped on the issue').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct calque 'заднее сальто' for the metaphorical sense; use 'резкий разворот' or 'отказ от прежней позиции'. The verb 'backflip' is not 'перевернуться' (to turn over) but 'сделать сальто назад' (physical) or 'резко изменить позицию' (metaphorical).
Common Mistakes
- Using 'backflip' as a synonym for any simple change (it implies a dramatic, full-circle reversal). Confusing it with 'back handspring' (a different gymnastic move). Incorrect verb form: 'He backflipped' is correct, not 'He did backflip'.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'backflip' MOST likely to be used metaphorically?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is one word. The older form 'back flip' (two words) is now rare.
Yes, very commonly, especially in the metaphorical sense. E.g., 'They backflipped on their promise.'
A backflip is a single, airborne rotation where the feet go over the head. A back handspring involves pushing off the hands from the ground during the rotation.
Typically, yes. It implies a lack of consistency, principle, or a surrender to pressure, and is often used in criticism.