flip the script

Meanings

1. 1phraseidiominformal

   to change a situation completely, especially by reversing the usual order or roles.

   Grammar: Used as a verb phrase; often followed by 'on someone' to show who is affected.

   Patterns

   • flip the script
   • flip the script on someone
   • flip the script by doing something

   The small company flipped the script and became the market leader.

   She flipped the script on her critics by winning the award.

   We need to flip the script and focus on quality instead of speed.

2. 2phraseidiominformal

   to reverse the expected roles of two people or groups.

   Grammar: Often used when one person does what the other was expected to do.

   Patterns

   • flip the script on someone
   • flip the script between two things

   In the movie, the student flips the script and teaches the teacher.

   The underdog team flipped the script and won the championship.

   He flipped the script by asking me the questions instead.

Common combinations

flip the script on

The new manager flipped the script on the old rules.

flip the script completely

They flipped the script completely by changing the product.

try to flip the script

He tried to flip the script during the debate.

Synonyms and how they differ

turn the tables

This means to reverse a situation so that you gain an advantage over someone who had it before; 'flip the script' is broader and can mean any major change in roles or expectations.

change the game

This means to change the way something is done in a big way; 'flip the script' often focuses more on reversing roles or expectations.

Opposites

Commonly confused: flip the script or flip a script?

Practice

Make it your own

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

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