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.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“I will raise the flag and see who salutes regarding the new policy.”
“The manager decided to raise the flag and see who salutes before committing the entire team to the controversial project.”
“By suggesting a radical change to the bylaws, the chairperson intended to raise the flag and see who salutes, thereby identifying the primary sources of internal opposition.”
- 01
anybody who is anybody
Any person who is well-known or important, especially one who has prominent social standing.
- 02
dog who caught the tire
One who accomplishes a seemingly impossible feat, but does not know what to do next.
- 03
everybody who is anybody
All of the people who are well-known or important, especially those who have prominent social standing.
- 04
flag down
Use a flag or similar kind of signal to get someone's attention.
- 05
fly the flag
To support one's country enthusiastically.
- 06
for all the world to see
in plain view; clearly visible
- 07
freak flag
Unconventional or unrestrained behavior; extreme, nonconformist views; the side of one's personality which harbors a tendency toward such behavior or such views.
- 08
have seen one's day
Of a person, thing, idea, etc., to be at the point in a life cycle or career of no longer being useful or effective; to be worn-out.
Last updated August 10, 2026