flip the script

phrase

informal

: to achieve an outcome or adopt an approach that is opposite to or completely different from what has happened or been done previously

Now, having won three of the last nine majors, Mickelson has flipped the script on Woods.

—Alan Shipnuck

… the chance to flip the script, to go from 0-6 with a chance to finish the second half of the year 5-1, is motivating Nebraska players this week.

—Steve Batterson

If you let your inner critic do all the talking, of course she's going to chip away at your self-esteem. Make a conscious choice to flip the script for the next week and see how dramatically it alters your outlook.

—Petra Guglielmetti

Examples of flip the script in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Manvel is off to its best start since 2017, Barbers Hill has found a spark with transfer quarterback Luke Babin and Brazosport has completely flipped the script after several difficult seasons. — Jon Poorman, Houston Chronicle, 28 Sep. 2026

After averaging 43 pass attempts per game entering Saturday, FIU flipped the script against LIU, running the ball 39 times compared to just 21 pass attempts. — Alejandro Hernandez, Miami Herald, 27 Sep. 2026

But Minnesota defensive coordinator Brian Flores’ unit flipped the script in the second half. — Matt Schneidman, New York Times, 13 Sep. 2026

His opponent, Republican Michael Whatley, is trying to flip the script by arguing that Democrats like Cooper helped create today’s affordability headaches. — Luke Fountain,megan Cassella, CNBC, 10 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1991, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for flip the script

• eucalypt
• manuscript
• nondescript
• superscript
• chipped
• clipped
• crypt
• dipped
• dripped
• flipped
• gripped
• hipped