flick water

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "flick water" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the action of quickly and lightly throwing or scattering water, often with a flicking motion of the fingers or wrist. Example: "She flicked water off her hands after washing them, sending droplets flying in all directions."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Heat an inch of peanut oil in a skillet until it spits when you flick water at it.

The New York Times - Books

When you (stand back, and) flick water into the oil, and it "spits," the oil is hot enough.

Huffington Post

Bathing often takes place before preening; ibis squat in water 5-20 cm deep and flick water over themselves with each wing in succession.

Wikipedia

Flick water over them avoid contact from eyes.

WikiHow

You can tell when it's ready when you flick water and it sizzles.

WikiHow

Flick water at them.Everyone knows that most cats dislike water, so get flicking.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

"Three members of your class were found flicking water at each other in the toilets, Miss.

The Guardian

Sometimes he makes that little flashing sign with all five fingers like someone flicking water off their hands.

The Guardian

Shaw and her director, Deborah Warner, decided to do away with the gods and the chariot altogether: instead, Shaw's Medea ended the play flirtatiously flicking water in Jason's face.

The Guardian

Heat a waffle maker until a flick of water beads and bounces around.

The New York Times

Moore would flick the water off one leg, dry that with a towel and then step out on to the dry leg, before continuing the process with the rest of his body.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "flick water" when you want to describe a light, quick motion that causes water to scatter in small drops. It's more specific than simply "splash" or "spray".

Common error

Don't use "flick water" when a larger amount of water is involved or a more forceful action is intended. Instead, opt for terms like "pour", "splash", or "spray" to accurately describe the action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "flick water" primarily functions as a verb phrase describing an action. It details the act of propelling water with a quick, light motion, often using the fingers. As Ludwig AI states, it is a usable phrase in English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Wiki

38%

News & Media

38%

Science

24%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "flick water" is a grammatically sound and understandable phrase used to describe the act of scattering water with a quick, light motion. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in English. Although it is most common in informal and neutral contexts like Wiki and News & Media, it can also appear in scientific discussions. When using this phrase, ensure that the context involves a small quantity of water and a deliberate flicking action. More formal or forceful situations might call for alternative terms like "splash" or "spray".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

flick a bit of water

Adds a modifier to describe the quantity of water being flicked.

flick droplets

Highlights the small quantity and form of water being propelled.

splash water

Replaces "flick" with a more general term for causing water to scatter.

sprinkle water

Suggests a gentler, more dispersed distribution of water.

spray water

Implies using a device or mechanism to disperse water.

flip water

Indicates a quick, upward motion causing the water to move.

dash water

Conveys a quick and forceful application of water.

scatter water

Focuses on the distribution of water droplets.

cast water

Suggests a wider, more intentional spreading of water.

lob water

Implies a gentle or playful throwing of water.

FAQs

How can I check if a pan is hot enough using water?

You can "flick water" onto the pan. If the water sizzles and evaporates quickly, the pan is hot enough.

Is it correct to say "flick water"?

Yes, "flick water" is a correct and understandable phrase to describe the action of quickly scattering water, often with your fingers.

What's a more gentle way to describe scattering water?

Instead of "flick water", you could say "sprinkle water" if you want to convey a softer action.

When might I use "flick water" in a sentence?

You might say "I "flick water" at the cat to discourage it from scratching the furniture" to describe a quick, harmless deterrent.