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flick off

B1 informal separable transitive
In simple words

To turn something off quickly, like switching off a light with one fast move of your finger.

Literal meaning: To move with a flick so something goes off/away — transparent.

Meanings

1 A2 informal

To turn off a light, device, or switch with a quick, light motion.

"She flicked off the bedside lamp and tried to sleep."

Grammar: separable
2 A2 informal

To remove something with a quick, light movement of the fingers.

"He flicked the crumb off his tie before sitting down."

Grammar: separable
Usage notes

Very common in everyday British and American English. The physical 'remove with a flick' sense is also natural in informal contexts. Not used as a rude gesture (that is 'flip off').

Commonly used with

light switch TV radio insect crumb

Forms

Base
flick off
I/you/we/they
3rd person
flicks off
he/she/it
Past simple
flicked off
yesterday
Past participle
flicked off
have + pp
-ing form
flicking off
continuous

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