1. Home
2. Idioms
3. flap

flap

---

---

flap (one's) jaws

To talk in a meaningless, aimless, or idle manner. Jim always starts flapping his jaws after he's had a couple of drinks.

See also: flap, jaw

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

in a flap

In a panic or frenzy. 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.

See also: flap

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

(somebody's) ears are flapping

  (informal)

something that you say when you think that someone is listening to your private conversation I can't talk now. Ears are flapping.

See also: ear, flap

flap

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