flap

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(someone's) ears are flapping

Someone is listening, or trying to listen, to the details of a private conversation. Let's finish this conversation in the meeting room in case people's ears are flapping nearby. Because it's likely that ears are flapping, I think we should postpone our discussion until a later time. Do you think your co-workers ears are flapping? I don't want anyone else to know the news just yet.

See also: ear, flap

be in a flap (about something)

To be in a state of panic or frenzy (because of some source of worry or annoyance). Mom's in a flap about this dinner party, so you better go help her. My manager always seems to be in a flap. I wish that he would learn to chill out sometimes!

See also: flap

ears are flapping

Said when one suspects that a private conversation is being listened to. If ears are flapping now, we should postpone this discussion until a later time, don't you think?

See also: ear, flap

flap (one's) chops

To chatter or blather. Quit flapping your chops—I need some quiet so I can think! Whenever Charlie starts to flap his chops, I can't get in a word!

See also: chops, flap

flap (one's) gums

To chatter or blather. Quit flapping your gums—I need some quiet so I can think! Whenever Charlie starts to flap his gums, I can't get in a word!

See also: flap, gum

flap (one's) jaws

To talk in a meaningless, aimless, or idle manner; to chatter or blather. Jim always starts flapping his jaws after he's had a couple of drinks. Quit flapping your jaws—I need some quiet so I can think!

See also: flap, jaw

flap around

To wave about in the air, possibly due to being unencumbered or unrestrained. You better secure that sheet—otherwise, it'll be flapping around in the wind. A: "What's that noise?" B: "Oh, just the flags flapping around."

See also: around, flap

flap-jaw

1. Someone prone to talking a lot or at length. Good luck getting out of here—Aunt Louise is a real flap-jaw and could easily blather to you for an hour.

2. Someone who too readily shares information, especially that which is private or confidential. Some flap-jaw has been talking to the press about our new product. Needless to say, if I find out who it is, they will be fired on the spot. If you've got a secret, don't tell it to a flap-jaw like Marty!

get in(to) a flap (about something)

1. To enter into a state of panic or frenzy (because of some source of worry or annoyance). Mom, I'll help you with getting dinner ready for the party, OK? So don't get in a flap about it—everything will be fine.

2. To cause someone to enter into a state of panic or frenzy (about something). A noun or pronoun can be used between "get" and "in(to)." The most trifling obstacle always seems to get him into a flap. I wish that he would learn to chill out sometimes!

See also: flap, get

in a flap (about something)

In a panic or frenzy (because of some source of worry or annoyance). Mom, I'll help you with getting dinner ready for the party, OK? So don't get in a flap about it—everything will be fine. The most trifling obstacle always seems to get him in a flap. I wish that he would learn to chill out sometimes!

See also: flap

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2022 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

flap around

[for a sheet of something] to blow, flop, or slap around, perhaps in the wind. The sails flapped around, making a lot of noise. The awning flapped around during the night.

See also: around, flap

flap one's gums

 and flap one's jaws

Rur. to talk aimlessly. They're still out on the porch, flapping their gums. Well, I can't sit here flapping my jaws all day. Gotta get back to work.

See also: flap, gum

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

flap your gums

AMERICAN, INFORMAL

If someone flaps their gums, they talk a lot without saying anything important. Who wants to hear you flapping your gums first thing in the morning?

See also: flap, gum

Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed. © HarperCollins Publishers 2012

someone's ears are flapping

someone is listening intently in order to overhear something not intended for them. informal

See also: ear, flap

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017

his, her, etc. ˈears are flapping

(British English, informal) a person is trying to listen to somebody else’s conversation: I think you’d better tell me later when we’re alone — ears are flapping here.

Flap here means to move quickly backwards and forwards.

See also: ear, flap

be in/get into a ˈflap

(informal) be in/get into a state of worry or excitement: Julia’s getting into a real flap about her exams. OPPOSITE: (as) cool as a cucumber

See also: flap, get

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017

flap

n. an argument; a minor scandal. I’m sorry about that flap we had yesterday, but it was all your fault.

McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions Copyright © 2006 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.