Meaning & use
flip on a dime
Last updated
UK/ˌflɪp ɒn ə ˈdaɪm/
US/ˌflɪp ɑːn ə ˈdaɪm/
Meaning
phraseidiominformal
To change direction or opinion very suddenly and completely.
Grammar: Used as an intransitive verb phrase; often followed by 'on' to specify the subject of change.
Patterns
- flip on a dime on something
- flip on a dime and do something
The company flipped on a dime and changed its entire marketing strategy.
He can flip on a dime from being angry to being happy.
Common combinations
- flip on a dime on
- The government flipped on a dime on its tax policy.
- able to flip on a dime
- She is able to flip on a dime when the situation demands it.
- flip on a dime and
- He flipped on a dime and agreed to the deal.
Synonyms and how they differ
- turn on a dime
- More common in British English; means the same but uses 'turn' instead of 'flip'.
- change course
- More formal and often used for ships or policies; does not imply suddenness.
Opposites
Commonly confused: flip on a dime or flip a coin?
flip on a dime vs flip a coin
To toss a coin to make a decision; completely different meaning.
Practice
What does 'flip on a dime' mean?
Choose one answer.
'Flip on a dime' means to change suddenly, like a coin flipping. The other options are literal or unrelated.
Make it your own
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