Meaning:
Something that gives you an impetus, stimulus or works as a catalyst
Usage:
- The festive season is a fillip for retail shopping
- The launch of the new college is a fillip to the town’s education
- The teacher’s unique style of teaching is a fillip to the children’s learning
Etymology:
First recorded in 1525–35; late Middle English filip, fylippe, philippe “to make a signal or sound with thumb and right forefinger”; expressive word of uncertain origin.
