flap

Everyday

1. To flap is to move up and down or from side to side quickly, like a bird's wings or a flag in the wind. tree →
2. A flap is a flat piece of paper, cloth or other material fixed along one side, that covers an opening, like the flap of an envelope or a cat flap. tree →
3. Informally, a flap is a state of worry and fuss: «Don't get in a flap». tree →

In the lessons

In science lessons birds flap their wings to fly; aeroplane wings have flaps. In everyday life envelopes, pockets, tents and lift-the-flap books have flaps; a cat flap lets the cat in. Phrases: «flap its wings», «a cat flap», «lift the flap», «in a flap».

Examples

• The bird flapped its wings and flew away. tree →
• The flag flapped in the wind. tree →
• Lick the flap and seal the envelope. tree →
• Our cat comes in through the cat flap. tree →
• My little brother loves lift-the-flap books. tree →
• Don't get in a flap; we have plenty of time. tree →
• The tent flap blew open in the night. tree →
• Quietly he lifted the door-flap and entered in. tree →

Note

Regular verb with double «p»: flapped, flapping. Countable noun. «In a flap» is informal for «worried and in a hurry».