The flip side is
Argumentation and critical discussion expression
直訳: The reverse side is
Use it to introduce a contrasting perspective or a hidden disadvantage in a balanced way.
15秒でわかる
- Used to introduce a contrasting or opposite point.
- Originates from flipping over a vinyl record.
- Perfect for balancing pros and cons in conversation.
意味
Think of it like a coin with two sides. You use this phrase to introduce a different, often opposite, point of view or a negative consequence to a positive situation.
主な例文
3 / 6Discussing a new promotion
I love the new salary, but the flip side is I'll have much less free time.
I love the new salary, but the other side of the situation is I'll have much less free time.
Choosing a vacation spot
The hotel is incredibly cheap; the flip side is that it's two hours from the beach.
The hotel is very cheap; the downside is that it's far from the beach.
Texting about a party
The party will be huge! The flip side is we'll probably be cleaning until 3 AM.
The party will be great, but the downside is the cleaning afterward.
文化的背景
The phrase originated in the mid-20th century music industry, referring to the secondary side of a 45-rpm record. It became a popular idiom as DJs would 'catch you on the flip side' before playing the next track. Today, it reflects the Western cultural value of 'playing devil's advocate' or seeing both sides of an issue.
The 'But' Rule
You don't always need to say 'but' before the phrase. 'The flip side is...' can start a brand new sentence all by itself!
Don't Overuse It
If you use it five times in one meeting, you'll sound like a spinning record. Mix it up with 'However' or 'On the other hand' to keep it fresh.
15秒でわかる
- Used to introduce a contrasting or opposite point.
- Originates from flipping over a vinyl record.
- Perfect for balancing pros and cons in conversation.
What It Means
Imagine you are holding an old vinyl record. One side has the hit song you love. The other side—the flip side—has something completely different. In conversation, we use this to show the 'other half' of a situation. It is the perfect tool for balance. If you just finished praising a new job, you use this phrase to mention the long commute.
How To Use It
You usually place the flip side is at the start of a new sentence. It acts as a bridge between two contrasting ideas. You can also say on the flip side to mean the exact same thing. It sounds natural and smart. It shows you have thought about the whole picture, not just one part. Use it when you want to sound fair and balanced.
When To Use It
Use it during a debate or a casual chat with friends. It works great when discussing big life decisions. Are you moving to a new city? Talk about the great food first. Then, use the flip side is to talk about the high rent. It is also perfect for business meetings. It helps you bring up risks without sounding like a pessimist. You are just being thorough!
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for simple facts that do not have a 'reverse.' For example, do not say 'I like apples, the flip side is I like oranges.' That is just a list! Also, avoid it in very stiff, legal documents. It is a bit too rhythmic and conversational for a court of law. If someone is grieving, maybe skip the 'flip side' logic. They just need a hug, not a balanced argument.
Cultural Background
This phrase comes from the world of music and vinyl records. Before digital streaming, records had an 'A-side' and a 'B-side.' The 'A-side' was the famous song. To hear the other track, you literally had to flip the disc over. By the 1960s, people started using it for ideas. It captures the cool, retro vibe of a DJ spinning a record.
Common Variations
On the flip side(The most common version)The reverse is true(More formal)But then again(More casual)Looking at the other side of the coin(A bit more old-fashioned)
使い方のコツ
This phrase is highly versatile and sits comfortably in the 'neutral' register. It is perfect for meetings where you want to sound analytical but not overly stiff.
The 'But' Rule
You don't always need to say 'but' before the phrase. 'The flip side is...' can start a brand new sentence all by itself!
Don't Overuse It
If you use it five times in one meeting, you'll sound like a spinning record. Mix it up with 'However' or 'On the other hand' to keep it fresh.
Vinyl Vibes
Older English speakers might still associate this with 'Side B' of a record. Using it shows you have a bit of a 'cool, classic' vocabulary.
例文
6I love the new salary, but the flip side is I'll have much less free time.
I love the new salary, but the other side of the situation is I'll have much less free time.
Contrasts a positive gain with a personal sacrifice.
The hotel is incredibly cheap; the flip side is that it's two hours from the beach.
The hotel is very cheap; the downside is that it's far from the beach.
Balances a financial benefit with a logistical drawback.
The party will be huge! The flip side is we'll probably be cleaning until 3 AM.
The party will be great, but the downside is the cleaning afterward.
Used to temper excitement with a realistic consequence.
My dog is a genius. The flip side is he's learned how to open the fridge.
My dog is smart, but the negative result is he steals my food.
Uses contrast for comedic effect.
I'm excited for the move, but the flip side is how much I'll miss our Sunday dinners.
I'm excited to move, but the sad part is missing our dinners.
Connects an exciting change to a sentimental loss.
Our market share is growing; however, the flip side is our production costs are also rising.
Our share is growing, but our costs are also increasing.
Provides a balanced view of business metrics.
自分をテスト
Choose the best phrase to complete the sentence showing a contrast.
The new apartment has a great view. ___, it's right next to a noisy train station.
The speaker is contrasting a positive (the view) with a negative (the noise).
Complete the sentence to show the 'other side' of a situation.
Working from home is very flexible. ___, you might feel a bit lonely sometimes.
This phrase introduces the disadvantage of a flexible work-from-home lifestyle.
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Formality Spectrum of 'The Flip Side'
Talking to friends about dinner
On the flip side, pizza is faster.
Discussing a project with a colleague
The flip side is the budget is tight.
Academic writing or legal contracts
Conversely / On the contrary
When to Flip the Coin
Pros & Cons
Buying a fast car vs. high gas prices
Debates
Presenting a counter-argument
Life Changes
Marriage is great, but less 'me time'
Tech Reviews
Great camera, but short battery life
よくある質問
10 問Not exactly. While it often introduces a downside, it can also just introduce a different perspective that isn't necessarily bad. For example, The job is hard, but the flip side is you learn a lot.
It is better suited for spoken English or semi-formal emails. In a very formal essay, use Conversely or On the other hand instead.
Yes! On the flip side is actually more common in casual speech than The flip side is. Both are perfectly correct.
No. You can use it to introduce a positive point after a negative one. For example, The rain ruined the picnic, but the flip side is we had a great time playing board games inside.
It comes from vinyl records. The 'flip side' was the back of the record which contained a different song.
It's more of an idiom than slang. It is widely understood by all age groups and is safe to use in most social and professional settings.
Not really. You wouldn't say 'He is the flip side.' You use it to describe a situation or an argument.
A common mistake is forgetting the word the. People sometimes say Flip side is... which sounds a bit too clipped and informal.
British English speakers use this phrase too! It is common across the entire English-speaking world.
If it's at the start of a sentence, follow it with a comma: The flip side is, we might not have enough money.
関連フレーズ
On the other hand
Used to present an alternative point of view.
By contrast
Used to show how two things are different.
Conversely
A formal way to introduce an opposite idea.
That being said
Used to introduce a point that modifies what was just said.
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