Meaning & use
with a flourish
Last updated
Meanings
phrasefixed phrase
in a way that is showy, confident, and done to attract attention
Grammar: Comes after a verb: she signed her name with a flourish.
Patterns
- do something with a flourish
- with a final flourish
She signed the document with a flourish, then handed me the pen.
He opened the curtains with a flourish and announced the morning news.
The pianist ended the piece with a flourish.
phrasefixed phrase
as a decorative or dramatic detail added to something
Grammar: Often used at the end of a sentence to describe an added effect.
Patterns
- add something with a flourish
- finish with a flourish
The chef added the sauce with a flourish, swirling it across the plate.
The speech ended with a flourish, quoting a famous line.
Common combinations
- sign with a flourish
- He signed the contract with a flourish.
- open with a flourish
- She opened the envelope with a flourish.
- end with a flourish
- The fireworks ended the festival with a flourish.
- with a dramatic flourish
- He bowed with a dramatic flourish.
Synonyms and how they differ
- grandly
- Focuses on importance and size, not on a quick, stylish movement.
- showily
- Suggests a desire to impress, often with a hint of disapproval.
Opposites
Commonly confused: with a flourish or flourish?
with a flourish vs flourish
As a verb, flourish means to grow well or succeed; the phrase with a flourish is about a dramatic gesture.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'with a flourish' most naturally?
Choose one answer.
'With a flourish' fits a showy, deliberate action like signing. The other options describe ordinary actions that do not suit a dramatic gesture.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “with a flourish”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.