Put the flags out!

Put the flags out!

An expression of extreme and pleasant surprise that something has occurred. Used humorously. Primarily heard in UK. Well, put the flags out—all our kids are up before noon!

See also: flag, put

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

put the flags out

or

put out the flags

BRITISH

1. If you put the flags out or put out the flags, you celebrate something special that has happened. Even now, they must be putting the flags out in holiday resorts like Bognor and Blackpool. Birthdays and christenings, or just a spell of good weather, are all the excuse you need to put out the flags and celebrate summer in the garden.

2. People say Put the flags out! to show that they are surprised but pleased that something has happened. The builders have finished? Put the flags out!

See also: flag, out, put

Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed. © HarperCollins Publishers 2012

put the flags (or flag) out

celebrate publicly.

See also: flag, out, put

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017