flag (redirected from flies the flag)

drape/wrap yourself in the flag

to pretend to do something for your country when you are really doing it for your own advantage. Companies in the UK are finding it useful to wrap themselves in the British flag.

See also: wrap

fly/show/wave the flag

to support or to represent your country. In the absence of any other Italian film directors, Mr Infascelli bravely flew the flag for his country. (often + for)

See also: fly, show, wave

Put the flags out! (British, humorous)

something that you say when you are pleased and surprised that something has happened. John's done the washing up. Put the flags out!

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flag down someone/something

to signal someone or something to stop by waving. A police officer flagged us down to check our vehicle registration and date of inspection.

See also: down

wave the flag

to defend and support someone or something. Marsalis waves the flag better than anyone and attracts new fans to jazz all the time. Brown's job is to show the flag for the president and remind voters that he is working for them.

Usage notes: also used in the form fly the flag: When she was in jail, several newspapers flew the flag for her.

See also: wave

wrap yourself in the flag

to say that that your beliefs or actions are only to benefit your country. Politicians are usually happy to wrap themselves in the flag and avoid the issues.

See also: wrap