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Flop: meaning, definitions and examples

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flop

 

[ flɒp ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

card game

A flop in a card game refers to the first three community cards that are dealt face-up in the center of the table, used in games like Texas Hold'em and Omaha. These cards are shared by all players to make the best possible hand.

Synonyms

board cards, community cards.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
flop

This term is commonly used in the context of poker. It refers to the first three community cards that are dealt face-up on the table. The flop is a crucial part of the game as it often determines the strength of a player's hand.

  • I had a pair of aces, but the flop gave me nothing useful.
  • The flop included two hearts, which helped me complete my flush.
community cards

This is a general term used in poker to describe all the cards that are dealt face-up in the center of the table and can be used by all players. It encompasses the flop, the turn, and the river.

  • The community cards didn’t improve my hand, so I decided to fold.
  • With the community cards showing three threes, I expected someone to have a full house.
board cards

This term can be used in any poker game where community cards are dealt. It refers to all the cards that are shared and can be used by all players to make their best hand. The term is a general one and not specific to any particular stage of the game.

  • With four diamonds among the board cards, I knew someone could easily have a flush.
  • The board cards were a king, queen, and jack, which made me worried about a possible straight.

Examples of usage

  • After the flop, the betting round begins.
  • He made a straight on the flop.
Context #2 | Verb

informal

To flop can mean to fail or be unsuccessful in a dramatic or exaggerated way. It is often used to describe a performance, movie, or idea that is not well-received.

Synonyms

bomb, fail, fizzle.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
flop

Used for a movie, play, or product that performs significantly worse than expected.

  • The movie was a complete flop, earning only a fraction of its budget.
  • Her latest book was a flop, with few people buying it.
fail

A general term used to describe unsuccessfulness in any context such as exams, projects, or endeavors.

  • The experiment failed due to incorrect data.
  • She failed her driving test again.
fizzle

Used when something fails gradually or loses momentum over time rather than failing immediately.

  • The campaign started strong but eventually fizzled out.
  • His enthusiasm for the project fizzled after a few months.
bomb

Often used in American English to describe something that failed badly, especially in entertainment or performance contexts.

  • The comedian's jokes bombed, leaving the audience silent.
  • The new TV show bombed after just one episode.

Examples of usage

  • The movie flopped at the box office.
  • His plan to start a new business flopped.

Translations

Translations of the word "flop" in other languages:

🇵🇹 fracasso

🇮🇳 विफलता

🇩🇪 Fehlschlag

🇮🇩 kegagalan

🇺🇦 провал

🇵🇱 klapa

🇯🇵 失敗 (しっぱい)

🇫🇷 échec

🇪🇸 fracaso

🇹🇷 başarısızlık

🇰🇷 실패

🇸🇦 فشل

🇨🇿 neúspěch

🇸🇰 neúspech

🇨🇳 失败 (shībài)

🇸🇮 neuspeh

🇮🇸 mistök

🇰🇿 сәтсіздік

🇬🇪 მარცხი

🇦🇿 uğursuzluq

🇲🇽 fracaso

Etymology

The origin of the word 'flop' can be traced back to the early 17th century, where it was used to describe the sound or action of something falling heavily or clumsily. Over time, it evolved to also mean a complete failure or collapse, particularly in the context of entertainment and performance.

See also: flops.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,168, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.