Flicked the foil out across the table
/flɪkt ðə fɔɪl aʊt əˈkrɔs ðə ˈteɪbəl/
verb phraseB1past tense (flicked)
Definition
To "flick" means to make a quick, light movement, usually with a finger or hand. "Foil" is a very thin sheet of metal, like aluminum foil used in kitchens. Putting it together, this phrase describes someone quickly moving the foil by a sharp gesture so it slides or flies across the table.
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See It in Action
To move something quickly with a small, sharp motion
- •She flicked the foil out across the table to clean it off.
- •He flicked the paper with his finger to get it out of the way.
- •The cat flicked its tail quickly when it was annoyed.
To send something sliding or flying a short distance by a quick gesture
- •The player flicked the puck across the ice.
- •He flicked the coin onto the table to start the game.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "flicked" like "touched quickly" but with a small, fast movement that sends something moving.
- ✓Picture a small, shiny, thin piece of metal (foil) sliding or flying over a smooth table surface.
- ✓It feels like when you quickly snap your finger or flick a small object to push it away.
- ✓Sounds like "flicked" → imagine someone flicking a small paper or coin to make it jump or slide.
- ✓Imagine a game where you flick a coin on a table to hit a target — similar quick movement.
- ✓NOT like "throw" (which is usually a big, strong movement), "flick" is small and fast.
- ✓NOT like "push" (which can be slow and steady), "flick" is quick and sharp.
Try Other Words
- •Snapped: a quick, sharp movement (Use when the motion is very fast and sharp, often with fingers)
- •Tapped: a light touch or hit (Use when the movement is gentle and slow compared to flick)
- •Flipped: to turn or toss quickly (Use when the object is turned over or tossed, not just pushed)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "flick" (quick, light movement) + "the foil" (thin metal sheet) + "out" (away from a place) + "across the table" (moving over the table surface)
- •Etymology: "Flick" comes from old English meaning a quick movement or strike; "foil" from Old French "fouil" meaning thin leaf or metal sheet
- •Historical development: "Flick" has been used since the 1600s for quick movements; "foil" for thin metal sheets since the 1500s
- •Modern usage: Common in everyday language to describe quick, light movements, especially with fingers or small objects
Reflect & Connect
•When might you use a "flick" motion instead of a push or throw in real life?
•How does the material of the object (like foil) change the way you flick or move it?
Fill in the blanks
1.She flicked the foil out across the table with a quick ___ of her finger to move it away.
2.The foil slid ___ the table because of the smooth surface and the flick.
3.Unlike a strong throw, flicked the foil means the movement was ___ and light.
4.He flicked the foil out across the table to ___ the mess quickly.
5.A flick usually uses only a small part of the hand, like a ___ or wrist movement.
6.When you flick something out across a surface, it usually moves ___ before stopping.
7.If the foil is heavy or thick, flicking it out across the table would be ___ to do.