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flip side

flip side

41 4.1
The other side of something that shows a different, often negative, effect
  • noun
  • /flɪp saɪd/
translation icon : otra cara
  • While the project has its challenges, the flip side is the opportunity for significant growth.
  • flip side of the coin

Now, of course, there is a flip side to the GPS dot.

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Examples

  • But there's a flip side to this argument.

    Academic text (2004)
  • All right, let me take the flip side and steal man the argument.

  • But on the flip side, it's worth it.

  • And the flip side is exactly how your wife feels.

  • On the flip side, you got kids that can take advantage of every gift this country has.

  • "And on the flip side, we need to have a better understanding of what people need to make decisions."

    Academic text (2009)
  • Human rights, or natural rights, are the flip side of the natural duties of the social contract.

    Academic text (2000)
  • Before we look at GDP growth, I want to point out the flip side of consumer spending, right?

  • Stewart continued: "Nobody talks about the flip side of the free market, which is the bust."

    Blog text (8)
  • I know, that's the flip side of that coin.

Synonyms

reverse
vsflip side
71 4.2

A situation that is the exact opposite of what was expected

means a contrasting aspect instead of a complete opposite
counterpoint
vsflip side
12 6.2

Something that contrasts with or balances another thing

emphasizes contrast as an aspect rather than balancing or equalizing
counterargument
vsflip side
11 5.1

A reason that disagrees with another reason in a discussion

highlights a contrasting aspect rather than giving a detailed refutation
2 3.9

A view that disagrees with your opinion in a discussion

covers that but also other contrasting aspects beyond debates
counterposition
vsflip side
8.2

An argument that opposes another idea

focuses on any contrasting aspect rather than only opposing positions
counterview
vsflip side
6.6

An opinion that disagrees with another view

refers to the broader contrasting aspect not only opinions

Antonyms

157 2.7

A likeness between things that makes them seem related

How Different

opposite
245 1.0
inverse
8 6.2
flip side
41 4.1
side
1.3

Surface Forms

flip side singular
flip sides plural

Morphology

flip + side

The meaning 'the opposite or contrasting aspect' is directly derivable from combining 'flip' (a turning action that reveals the other face) with 'side' (an aspect or face of something): it denotes the side revealed when you flip something, i.e. the other side. This is a regular compositional metaphor found across languages, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents would likely infer the meaning.

Etymology

Flip side likely comes from old records and tapes: when you flip a record you hear the other side. That clear image of turning something over helped people use flip side to mean the 'other' or 'opposite' part of an idea or situation.