ENGLISH
REFERENCE

freak flag

idiom
Meaning

Unconventional or unrestrained behavior; extreme, nonconformist views; the side of one's personality which harbors a tendency toward such behavior or such views.


Origin

first recorded 20th c.

Reportedly originated from song lyrics for If 6 Was 9 (1967) by Jimi Hendrix and was popularized by its use in Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young's counterculture anthem Almost Cut My Hair.

Examples
SIMPLE

She loves to let her freak flag fly at music festivals.

CONTEXTUAL

After years of hiding his true interests, he finally felt comfortable letting his freak flag fly among his new friends.

COMPLEX

The artist encouraged his students to abandon their inhibitions and let their freak flags fly, believing that true creativity requires a total rejection of social conformity.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    flag down

    Use a flag or similar kind of signal to get someone's attention.

  2. 02

    fly the flag

    To support one's country enthusiastically.

  3. 03

    get one's freak on

    To have sex.

  4. 04

    Hoover flag

    An empty (penniless) pocket, turned inside out, showing that someone has no money (especially during the Great Depression.)

  5. 05

    raise the flag and see who salutes

    To float an idea, (or otherwise do some action) to see what response or controversy (if any) it generates, usually as a preliminary step.

  6. 06

    rally round the flag

    To unite in order to support one's country, especially during a crisis or war.

  7. 07

    red flag

    Something that will enrage a particular person; a red rag.

  8. 08

    show the flag

    Of a naval vessel or military force, to identify itself by displaying the flag of its country of origin, especially in order to establish an authoritative presence and to exert diplomatic or political influence.

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