# raise the flag and see who salutes

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/raise-the-flag-and-see-who-salutes
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

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

## Examples

- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.