keep the flag flying

keep the flag flying

To support, defend, promote, or highlight the positive characteristics of someone or something. The senator has been keeping the flag flying for this issue for years, and it is finally starting to pick up steam. My country is often a target for insults or gibes abroad, so whenever I go traveling I make a point to keep the flag flying for it.
See also: flag, flying, keep
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

keep the flag flying

If you keep the flag flying, you do something to show your support for a group to which you belong, or to show your support for something that you agree with. Meghan Delahunt is keeping the flag flying for Scotland in the Best First Book category. It's important that artists keep the flag of tolerance flying.
See also: flag, flying, keep
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

keep the flag flying

1 represent your country or organization, especially when abroad. 2 show continued commitment to something, especially in the face of adversity.
This expression comes from the practice in naval warfare of lowering the flag on a defeated ship to signify a wish to surrender.
See also: flag, flying, keep
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

keep the ˈflag flying

continue to support an idea, a principle, an activity, etc. which is in danger of disappearing: They try to keep the flag flying in the British film industry. There are only two of us left now to keep the flag flying.
See also: flag, flying, keep
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • in common
  • in common (with someone or something)
  • in common with somebody/something
  • perceive
  • perceive (someone or something) as (something)
  • perceive as
  • a walking
  • a walking (something)
  • known quantity
  • same as
References in classic literature
The New York police was speedily hard at work, and a foolish contest in full swing between impassioned citizens resolved to keep the flag flying, and irritated and worried officers instructed to pull it down.
The War in the Air
Dear Prime Minister, keep the flag flying. And make Great Britain great again.
Let's make Britain great
'You and your men should keep the flag flying, because without the police, Nigeria is in danger.
Shi'ites Protest: FCT Residents Assured Of Maximum Protection
In 1909, the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution gave this committee the responsibility to keep the flag flying and to protect it continuously under all conditions, as well as to educate citizens regarding its correct usage.
Beaucoup Creek DAR chapter bestows Flag Awards
THE Lionesses have reached the quarterfinals of the Women's World Cup with some solid displays and have come through a very physical affair against Cameroon to keep the flag flying In France.
FREE PS1
He said the government in any part of the world has never been that supportive of literary pursuits, as this is the very struggle of writers and poets who keep the flag flying high as far as the creation and promotion of literature is concerned.
Annual Edition of Premier Children's Urdu Publication Launched
"I'll do my best to keep the flag flying this weekend."
Hamilton to keep up GB feelgood factor
Mickey Dolenz and Peter Tork keep the flag flying at Moseley Folk Festival
We're both still too busy singing; Contrary to the myth, the Monkees were all decent musicians. Peter Tork tells DAVE FREAK about his musical roots ahead of a Moseley Folk Festival gig
Hope are high that both can progress to the semi-finals to keep the flag flying for the Liverpool & District League.
DUO LOOK TO GIVE IT THEIR SUNDAY BEST; LIVERPOOL SUNDAY
"Obviously it's sad to see her career come to an end, but we hope we've got a replacement to keep the flag flying in Diesel Elsie, who has some really good Irish form and has just finished her qualifying trials."
Kate now set to mate
Now it's down to Chelsea, who take on Copenhagen in Denmark tomorrow, and Manchester United, who head to France to face Marseille on Wednesday, to keep the flag flying high.
Chelsea, United: It's your turn now
BA has also reportedly painted "keep the flag flying" on ten Boeing 777s at Heathrow and on two at Gatwick to confirm its message that it will continue to fly during the strikes.
British Airways strikes result in cancellation of 133 scheduled flights at Heathrow
BA aircraft had a "keep the flag flying" slogan painted along their fuselages today to underline the message that the airline will continue to fly throughout this week's strikes.
BA's flying the flag..
Chief executive Willie Walsh said: "The determination of our colleagues across the whole business to keep the flag flying this weekend is increasing.
BA adds flights as staff volunteer
Andrew Miller MP; Can Vauxhall keep the flag flying for Britain - or could the country's two plants be genuinely forced to close?
MP calls for everyone to 'keep their nerve' ELLESMERE PORT CAR PLANT CLOSURE FEARS