fly/show/wave the flag
fly the flag
To stand up for, support, or defend someone or something. A number of people from the actor's hometown are coming to New York to fly the flag at his debut performance on Broadway. My country is often a target for insults or gibes abroad, so whenever I go traveling I make a point of flying the flag for it.
See also: flag, fly
show the flag
To stand up for, support, or defend someone or something. A number of people from the actor's hometown are arriving into New York to show the flag at his debut performance on Broadway. My country is often a target for insults or gibes abroad, so whenever I go traveling I make a point of showing the flag for it.
See also: flag, show
wave the flag
To stand up for, support, or defend someone or something. A number of people from the actor's hometown are arriving into New York to wave the flag at his debut performance on Broadway. My country is often a target for insults or gibes abroad, so whenever I go traveling I make a point of waving the flag for it.
See also: flag, wave
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
fly the flag
COMMON
1. If you fly the flag for your country or a group to which you belong, you represent it or do something to support it. I would love to fly the flag for Britain and win the Eurovision Song Contest. Note: Verbs such as carry, show or wave are sometimes used instead of fly. The Kuwaiti team said they were only in Peking to show the flag. He believed in the sacred power of great music: he felt that he was carrying the flag of high culture.
2. If you fly the flag for something, you support it and praise it. Wragg was left to fly the flag for state education. Note: Verbs such as carry, show or wave are sometimes used instead of fly. I think it's important that we wave the flag for the arts.
See also: flag, fly
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.
fly the flag
1 (of a ship) be registered to a particular country and sail under its flag. 2 represent or demonstrate support for your country, political party, or organization, especially when you are abroad.In sense 2, the forms show the flag , carry the flag , and wave the flag are also found.
2 1996 Hello! She flew the flag for British tennis in the Eighties.
See also: flag, fly
show the flag
(of a naval vessel) make an official visit to a foreign port, especially as a show of strength.See also: flag, show
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
fly/show/wave the ˈflag
show your support for your country, an organization or an idea in order to encourage or persuade others to do the same: This exhibition of Scottish painting is our way of flying the flag. ▶ ˈflag-waving noun the expression of strong national feelings, especially in a way that people disapprove ofSee also: flag, fly, show, wave
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
- fly the flag
- show the flag
- wave the flag
- he, it, etc. promises well
- (someone or something) promises well
- pull for
- pull for (someone or something)
- root for
- root for (someone or something)
- keep the flag flying