with a quick flick

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "with a quick flick" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a swift, light movement, often in the context of gestures or actions. Example: "She turned the page with a quick flick of her wrist."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

With a quick flick, the loose end of the lariat was around the saddle horn, and Bencomo's horse sat on its haunches.

The New Yorker

The vinyl map was handy in my pocket and, with a quick flick of the wrist, available for instant consultations the moment I got lost.

The New York Times - Travel

His encore was a long 2-point jumper, then an assist with a quick flick of his wrist to Anderson Varejao.

The New York Times - Sports

This is carried out with a quick flick of the right stick – a new control to learn for veterans but one that's unobtrusive and, after a very short period of time, something that becomes second nature.

The Guardian - Tech

Do this with a quick flick of the wrist, pushing up with the pointer or middle finger.

WikiHow

You can either blow it out or shake it out with a quick flick of your hand.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

"I'll just give it a quick flick," she says.

The Guardian

But a quick flick through Europe's front pages and websites tells a quite different story.

The Guardian

Now, a quick flick through the e-pages to see what's going on today.

The Guardian - Sport

A quick flick through the racks found a Dries Van Noten tunic and a Marni coat, each for under $200.

The New York Times - Travel

A quick flick through the pages of Central European history reveals many examples of the presence of a restless national minority hankering after closer ties with their national homeland resulting in bloody calamity.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "with a quick flick" to describe actions that involve a light, fast, and often wrist-based movement. This phrase is especially effective in narratives or descriptions where you want to convey both speed and precision in an action.

Common error

Avoid using "with a quick flick" when describing actions that require significant force or a larger range of motion. This phrase is best suited for subtle, rapid movements, not for tasks involving strength or sweeping motions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "with a quick flick" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe how an action is performed. It specifies the manner of the action, emphasizing its speed and lightness. Examples from Ludwig show this phrase used to describe movements involving the wrist or hand.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Wiki

29%

Encyclopedias

14%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "with a quick flick" is a grammatically sound and generally accepted way to describe a rapid, light movement, often of the wrist or hand. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in diverse contexts, predominantly in News & Media and Wiki sources. While not exceptionally common, its descriptive power makes it a valuable addition to your writing toolkit. Remember to use it judiciously for actions that genuinely involve a swift, delicate motion, as overusing it or applying it to actions requiring force can diminish its effectiveness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

with a swift motion

Emphasizes the speed and fluidity of the movement, focusing on its elegance.

with a rapid gesture

Highlights the speed and decisiveness of the action, often involving hand movements.

with a brisk movement

Indicates a quick and energetic motion, suggesting efficiency and purpose.

with a deft touch

Focuses on skill and precision in the movement, highlighting its expert execution.

with a light tap

Emphasizes the gentle and brief nature of the action, often involving a slight touch.

with a sudden jerk

Highlights an abrupt and forceful movement, emphasizing its unexpectedness.

with a sharp twist

Focuses on a rotational movement done quickly and decisively.

with a casual flip

Implies a relaxed and effortless movement, often performed without much thought.

with a nimble twist

Shows agility and dexterity in the twisting action.

with a deft flip

Combines skill and speed, specifically in a flipping motion.

FAQs

How can I use "with a quick flick" in a sentence?

You can use "with a quick flick" to describe a swift, light movement, often involving the wrist or fingers. For example, "She opened the fan "with a quick flick" of her wrist".

What are some alternatives to "with a quick flick"?

Alternatives include "with a swift motion", "with a rapid gesture", or "with a brisk movement", depending on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to specify 'of the wrist' after "with a quick flick"?

No, specifying 'of the wrist' is not always necessary. It depends on the context. If it's clear from the sentence that the action involves the wrist, you can omit it. If the source of the flick is ambiguous, it's best to specify, e.g., "He turned the page "with a quick flick" of his thumb".

When is it appropriate to use "with a quick flick" versus "with a quick turn"?

"With a quick flick" is best for actions that involve a light, rapid movement, often a gesture. "With a quick turn" is more appropriate for actions involving rotation or adjustment. For example, you might flick a switch but turn a knob.