backflip

plural backflips

1. gymnasticsAn act of rotating one's body 360 degrees in the backward direction.

   The gymnast performed a backflip on a trampoline.

2. broadlyA total reversal in policy or opinion.

   Near-synonyms: backtrack, backpedaling

   1 more example

   PM predicts water recycling backflips

   Courier Mail, 29 Jan 2007

   Synonyms: flip-flop, volte-face, U-turn, backtrack, backpedaling

present singular third person backflips · participle present backflipping · participle past backflipped · past backflipped

1. To perform a backflip (rotation of body).

   On the July day that she put out a music video featuring Taylor Lautner, an ex-boyfriend, the actor backflipped across the stage in Kansas City, Mo., and paid Swift effusive tribute — “not just for the singer you are,” Lautner said, “but for the human you are.”

   2023 August 5, Ben Sisario, “How Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour Conquered the World”, in The New York Times, archived from the original on 19 Aug 2023

2. To completely reverse a policy or opinion; perform a U-turn.

   Near-synonyms: backtrack, backpedal, walk back

   Synonyms: flip-flop, U-turn, backtrack, backpedal, walk back