a flick of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a flick of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a quick or light movement, often implying ease or speed. Example: "With a flick of her wrist, she sent the paper airplane soaring across the room."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A flick of the foot.

The New York Times - Sports

A flick of their wireless switches fixed that.

The New York Times - Health

A flick of mascara, a gap-revealing smile … and done.

The New York Times

A flick of the switch would turn off the power.

The Economist

With a flick of the wrist, Gilmour changed all that.

The New York Times - Sports

A little tap, a flick of my wrist".

The New York Times - Arts

Then, in a flick of chestnut tails, they were gone.

The Guardian - Travel

A flick of your wrist translates on-screen to a flick of the wrist, and the same goes for a kick, head bob or bend.

The New York Times

And he scored with a flick of his foot beyond that last man's reach or imagination.

The New York Times - Sports

And yet Volochkova deflects mockery and disappointment with a flick of her fluttering fingernails.

The New Yorker

A lonely retired widow writes: "At a flick of the switch one's room can be peopled".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a flick of" to describe actions that are quick, light, and often require a degree of skill or precision. It adds a sense of ease and effortlessness to the description.

Common error

While versatile, "a flick of" can sound too informal or casual for certain professional or academic writing. Opt for more precise verbs to describe the action, such as "activate", "adjust", or "trigger", depending on the specific context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a flick of" functions as a prepositional phrase, often modifying a verb to describe how an action is performed. Ludwig's examples showcase its versatility in depicting various quick and light movements.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Wiki

12%

Science

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a flick of" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to describe quick, light movements. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and high frequency, especially in news and media contexts. While generally neutral in register, it may be too informal for certain formal settings. When writing, use it to add a sense of ease or skill to your descriptions, but consider more precise alternatives for professional or academic content. Related phrases include "a quick movement of" and "a swift gesture of", offering similar but nuanced ways to express rapid actions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a quick movement of

Focuses on the speed of the motion, replacing "flick" with a more generic term.

a swift gesture of

Emphasizes the decisiveness and speed of the action.

a deft touch of

Highlights the skill and precision involved in the action.

a light touch of

Highlights the delicacy and gentleness of the movement.

a deft movement of

Similar to "deft touch", but more general in application.

a nimble twist of

Suggests agility and dexterity in the motion.

a rapid motion of

Similar to "quick movement", but emphasizes mechanical or physical actions.

a casual wave of

Conveys a sense of nonchalance and ease in the movement.

a subtle shift of

Focuses on slight changes or adjustments rather than forceful actions.

a brisk movement of

Implies a more energetic and lively action.

FAQs

How can I use "a flick of" in a sentence?

Use "a flick of" to describe a swift, light movement, often implying ease. For example, "With a flick of the wrist, she opened the lock".

What are some alternatives to "a flick of"?

Alternatives include "a quick movement of", "a swift gesture of", or "a light touch of", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "a flick of" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "a flick of" may sound too casual for formal contexts. Consider more precise verbs like "activate" or "adjust" for a more professional tone.

What does "a flick of" imply?

It suggests a rapid, often effortless motion. This can convey a sense of skill or ease in performing the action.