Do not index
Do not index
What does "Run it up the flagpole" mean?
To test an idea or proposal to see how it is received by others.
When do you use "Run it up the flagpole"?
This phrase is appropriate when discussing the preliminary testing of ideas, proposals, or strategies in a workplace or collaborative environment, particularly when seeking feedback or gauging interest.
"Run it up the flagpole" Usage Examples
- Before we finalize the marketing strategy, let's run it up the flagpole and see what the team thinks.
- I have a new product idea; I’ll run it up the flagpole at the next meeting.
- The manager decided to run the new policy up the flagpole to gather reactions from employees first.
- She suggested a new design for the website and wanted to run it up the flagpole before making any changes.
- They decided to run their budget proposal up the flagpole to see if it would be approved by upper management.
"Run it up the flagpole" Explained
The phrase likely originates from the military practice of raising a flag to signal something to those nearby. In a business or creative context, 'running it up the flagpole' refers to presenting an idea to gauge reactions and feedback, much like seeing if a flag will be seen and appreciated by those who observe it.