Definition

1. Verb:

   • To bend or cause to bend: The primary meaning of "flex" is to bend something, especially repeatedly, or to be bent. This often refers to physical objects or body parts.
   • To contract a muscle: In anatomy and fitness, "flex" specifically means to tighten a muscle, making it more prominent and demonstrating its strength.
   • To demonstrate or exhibit power, skill, or influence: Figuratively, "flex" means to show off one's capabilities, strength, or resources in a conspicuous way.

2. Noun:

   • The act of bending or contracting: A "flex" is the action or instance of flexing, particularly a muscle.
   • (British English) A flexible insulated electric cord: A wire or cable used to connect an electrical appliance to a power source.

Usage Examples

• Verb (to bend):
  • Carefully flex the plastic to see if it will break.
  • The material can flex without snapping.
• Verb (to contract a muscle):
  • He likes to flex his biceps in the mirror.
  • Flex your calf muscle to relieve the cramp.
• Verb (to show off power/skill):
  • The company flexed its financial muscle by acquiring a competitor.
  • The author flexes her vocabulary in every chapter.
• Noun (act of flexing):
  • With a quick flex of his arm, he showed off the tattoo.
  • A good stretch involves a gentle flex of the spine.
• Noun (electric cord - UK):
  • The kettle's flex is too short to reach the socket.

Advanced Usage

• "Flex on (someone)": (Slang) To show off one's superiority, wealth, or skills in front of someone, often to make them feel inferior.
  • He's just trying to flex on us with his new car.
• "Flex time" / "Flextime": (Noun) A work schedule that allows employees to choose their start and end times within agreed limits.
  • Our company offers flex time, so I start work at 10 AM.

Variants and Related Words

• Flexible (adj): Capable of bending easily without breaking; able to adapt to new circumstances.
  • Rubber is a flexible material. We need a flexible plan.
• Flexibility (n): The quality of being able to bend or be bent; the ability to adapt.
  • Yoga improves your flexibility. Schedule flexibility is important.
• Flexor (n): A muscle that bends a part of the body.
  • The biceps is a flexor of the elbow.

Synonyms

• Bend: To curve or make something curve.
• Contract: To make a muscle become shorter and tighter.
• Show off: To display abilities or possessions to attract admiration (informal, for the figurative sense).

Related Phrasal Verbs/Phrases

• Flex your muscles: Literally, to tighten your muscles to show them. Figuratively, to demonstrate your power or capability as a warning or show of strength.
  • The army flexed its muscles with a large parade.
  • The union is flexing its muscles ahead of the negotiations.

Related Idioms

• No flex zone: (Modern slang) A situation or place where showing off is not tolerated or is considered inappropriate.
  • This study group is a no flex zone; just help each other learn.

Noun

1. the act of flexing
   • he gave his biceps a flex to impress the ladies

Verb

1. cause (a plastic object) to assume a crooked or angular form
   • bend the rod
   • twist the dough into a braid
   • the strong man could turn an iron bar
2. bend a joint
   • flex your wrists
   • bend your knees
3. form a curve
   • The stick does not bend
4. exhibit the strength of
   • The victorious army flexes its invincibility
5. contract
   • flex a muscle