Literary notes about flick (AI summary)
The term "flick" serves multiple roles in literature, evoking both physical motion and subtle shifts in tone. In some narratives it emphasizes a brisk, almost imperceptible gesture—a quick upward sweep of a duster up a chimney [1] or the palm's sudden twist that sets a horse galloping with minimal encouragement [2]. In other instances, it captures the rapid discharge of force, as when a whip is swung to produce a sharp, commanding sound [3] or when a mechanical device is triggered at the first surge of power [4]. Moreover, "Flick" can be a character's name, lending an understated humor or distinctive identity to a persona, as seen with Mr. Flick in several works [5] [6] [7]. This layered usage enriches the text by blending literal physical actions with metaphorical nuances of movement and change.
- She knelt down by the fireplace and gave her duster a little flick up the chimney.
— from The Divine Fire by May Sinclair - His leg was over the back of his favourite horse now, and she only had to give it a flick in the flank to set it galloping off with him.
— from The Honour of the Clintons by Archibald Marshall - There is the sound of the flick of a whip. . . .
— from Project Gutenberg Compilation of Short Stories by Chekhov by Anton Pavlovich Chekhov - The ion-drive unit had hurtled to the far end of the tank at the first flick of power.
— from Tom Swift and the Electronic Hydrolung by Appleton, Victor, II - “He's got good points,” said Mr. Herbert Albert Flick, “but I'd like a straighter back.”
— from The Works of Charles Dudley WarnerProject Gutenberg Editions by Charles Dudley Warner - "I suppose the Solicitor-General sees his way, but he may be in a mess yet," said Mr. Flick.
— from Lady Anna by Anthony Trollope - Mr. Flick was of opinion that no better counsel was to be had in England than the Solicitor-General, and no opinion more worthy of trust than his.
— from Lady Anna by Anthony Trollope
