flip a lid

Meanings

1. 1phraseidiominformalAmerican

   To suddenly become extremely angry or lose control of your emotions.

   Grammar: The possessive usually matches the subject: I flipped my lid, she flipped her lid. It is intransitive, so it takes no object.

   Patterns

   • flip your lid
   • flip your lid at someone
   • flip your lid over something

   When she saw the broken window, she flipped her lid.

   Don't flip your lid over a small mistake like that.

   He flipped his lid when the airline lost his luggage again.

2. 2phraseidiominformalAmerican

   To become wildly excited or enthusiastic about something.

   Grammar: Used in the same intransitive pattern, often followed by over or about.

   Patterns

   • flip your lid over something
   • flip your lid about something

   The fans flipped their lids when the band walked on stage.

   She flipped her lid over the new phone and ordered one immediately.

Common combinations

flip your lid at someone

There is no need to flip your lid at the waiter; he did not cook the food.

flip your lid over something

My dad flipped his lid over the phone bill.

completely flip your lid

She completely flipped her lid when the car would not start.

flip your lid when

He flips his lid whenever anyone mentions that name.

Synonyms and how they differ

blow your top

Very similar in meaning and register; it sounds slightly more British and old-fashioned.

lose your temper

Neutral and less dramatic; it can describe mild anger, while "flip your lid" suggests a sudden explosion.

go ballistic

Stronger and more informal; it often suggests shouting and wild behavior.

Opposites

Commonly confused: flip a lid or flip a coin?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “flip a lid”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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