flick open
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To flick open is to open something with a quick, snapping motion of the wrist or fingers—typically a folding knife, lighter, fan, or flip phone.
The action is fast and often one-handed: He flicked open his switchblade.
The phrase suggests casual skill or practiced ease, sometimes with a hint of menace or showmanship.
- switchbladeSpring-released folding knife
- butterfly knifeFolding knife, split handles
- pocket knifeHinged blade with handle
- quick drawRapid weapon retrieval
- lighterComparative of not heavy
snap · flip · notebook · fan out · zippo · wallet · pop · hinge · spring loaded · jerk · umbrella · swish · spring · push · lid · trigger · case · slide