flick

Everyday

1. To hit or move something with a quick small movement, for example with a finger. tree →
2. To switch something on or off quickly: «flick the light switch». tree →
3. To turn pages quickly or change TV channels: «flick through a book». tree →
4. (noun) A quick, light movement or hit. tree →
5. (informal, noun) A film: «the flicks» means the cinema (old UK). tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life: flicking a switch, flicking through a comic, a horse flicking its tail. In manners, flicking things at people is rude and can hurt eyes. Phrases: «flick through», «flick a switch», «with a flick of the wrist».

Examples

• He flicked the crumbs off the table. tree →
• Flick the switch to turn on the light. tree →
• I flicked through the book to find the pictures. tree →
• The horse flicked its tail at the flies. tree →
• Don't flick rubber bands; you could hurt someone's eye. tree →
• With a flick of her wrist, she spun the top. tree →
• The lizard's tongue flicked in and out. tree →
• So he awoke the wolf by flicking him across the eyes with his brush. tree →

Note

Past form: flicked. «Flick through» means look quickly, not read carefully. Do not confuse with «flip» (turn over) — they overlap a little.