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Run it up the flagpole

Definition

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"Run it up the flagpole” is an idiom that means to present an idea, proposal, or plan to see how others react or respond to it. It’s like testing the waters or gauging people’s opinions before making a final decision. The origin of this Idiom can be traced back to the practice of running a flag up a flagpole to signal something to others. In a similar way, when we “run something up the flagpole,” we are metaphorically raising an idea or proposal for others to see and evaluate.

Imagine you have a new idea for a project at work. Instead of immediately implementing it, you might want to “run it up the flagpole” by sharing it with your colleagues or superiors. By doing so, you can gather feedback, assess the feasibility, and determine if it aligns with the goals and values of the team or organization. By seeking input and considering different perspectives, running an idea up the flagpole can help you make more informed decisions and avoid potential pitfalls. It’s a way to gather valuable insights and ensure that your plans are well-received before fully committing to them.

Example sentences

Before making a decision, let’s run the proposal up the flagpole and gather feedback from the stakeholders.

The CEO wants to run the new product concept up the flagpole to get a sense of customer interest.

Before implementing any changes to the website, we should run it up the flagpole to ensure it aligns with our brand image.

The design team wants to run their prototype up the flagpole to test its functionality and appeal.

The city council plans to run the proposed policy up the flagpole to gauge public opinion before making a decision.

Office culture

Workplace communication

Business idioms

Professional language

Corporate expressions

Linguistic expressions

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Run it up the flagpole

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