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Phrasal verbs "flip off" vs "pull off"

Differences between flip off and pull off

Flip off means to make an obscene gesture with one's middle finger as a sign of disrespect or contempt, while pull off means to succeed in doing something difficult or challenging.

Meanings and Definitions: flip off vs pull off

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Flip off

  • 1Extend your middle finger as a gesture of contempt.

    When the police were walking away, he FLIPPED them OFF.

Pull off

  • 1Manage to do something difficult or tricky

    No - one thought that she would be able to do it, but she PULLED it OFF in the end.

  • 2Start moving ( vehicles ).

    When the lights turned green, the car PULLED OFF.

Usage Examples: flip off, pull off in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

flip off

Example

She was so angry that she flipped off the driver who cut her off.

Example

He often flips off other drivers when he's frustrated.

pull off

Example

She managed to pull off the difficult presentation.

Example

He always pulls off amazing stunts in his performances.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Flip off

give the finger

To make an obscene gesture with one's middle finger as a sign of disrespect or contempt.

Example

He was so angry at the driver that he gave him the finger as he drove by.

show the bird

To make an obscene gesture with one's middle finger as a sign of disrespect or contempt.

Example

She was so annoyed with her boss that she showed him the bird when he turned his back.

flip the bird

To make an obscene gesture with one's middle finger as a sign of disrespect or contempt.

Example

The audience was shocked when the performer flipped the bird during his act.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Pull off

accomplish

To successfully complete a task or goal.

Example

Despite the challenges, she was able to accomplish her project on time.

achieve

To successfully reach a desired outcome or goal.

Example

After years of hard work, he was finally able to achieve his dream of becoming a doctor.

succeed at

To achieve a successful outcome in a particular task or endeavor.

Example

With determination and hard work, she was able to succeed at starting her own business.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “flip”

Differences in flip off vs pull off: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: flip off or pull off?

In daily conversation, people use pull off more often than flip off. This is because pull off is used to describe achieving success or accomplishing a task, which is a common topic in everyday conversations. Flip off, on the other hand, is considered rude and offensive, so it's not used as much in polite company.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of flip off and pull off

Flip off is an informal phrase that is considered vulgar and inappropriate in most formal settings. Pull off is also informal but can be used in more formal contexts if the situation allows for it.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of flip off and pull off

The tone of flip off is negative and disrespectful, while the tone of pull off is positive and confident.

flip off & pull off: Synonyms and Antonyms

Flip off

Synonyms

  • give the finger
  • show the bird
  • make a rude gesture
  • flipping the bird

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