Words / A1

FLIPFL-ops/ˈflɪpflɒps/

Flip-flops are light open shoes with a strap that goes between the big toe and the next toe, worn on the beach or in hot weather. Usually plural: flip-flops; a pair of flip-flops. Write a hyphen: flip-flops. A sandal is also open but often has more straps and no single toe-post; a shoe covers more of the foot. Mix-up: flip (to turn over) + flops as two verbs — this is one kind of shoe.

Meaning

Light open shoes with a strap between the toes, for the beach or hot weather.

Examples

• “She wore flip-flops on the beach.”
• “Leave your flip-flops by the pool.”
• “These flip-flops are too small for him now.”

Good to know

flip-flops / a pair of flip-flops (hyphen). Contrast: sandal (more straps), shoe (covers more). Mix-up: flip + flop.

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