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."
separable
flick off
B1 informal separable transitive
To turn off a switch, light, or device with a quick, light movement; also to remove something with a flicking motion.
In plain English
To turn something off quickly, like switching off a light with one fast move of your finger.
What does "flick off" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 A2 informal
To remove something with a quick, light movement of the fingers.
"He flicked the crumb off his tie before sitting down."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To move with a flick so something goes off/away — transparent.
Actually means
To turn something off quickly, like switching off a light with one fast move of your finger.
Usage tip
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').
Words that pair with "flick off"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
light switch TV radio insect crumb
How to conjugate "flick off"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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
Hear "flick off" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "flick off" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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