show the flag

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
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

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 of
See also: flag, fly, show, wave
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • wave the flag
  • fly the flag
  • fly/show/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)
  • favourite son
References in periodicals archive
So we are very proud to have done this, to go to farther places and to show the flag to our neighbors,' said Cmdr.
Footage released in February 2016 appeared to show the flag of the group Kata'ib Sayyid al-Shuhada flying from the back of an M1 Abrams.
"I'm very happy because it's always an amazing feeling to wear Ethiopian flag on the race" said Tsgabu "I'm proud to show the flag of my Country on Individual Time Trial all over the world".
Show the flag I SYMPATHISE with Jonny Cooke for being shocked at finding that offensive note on his car.
"As our committee spends most of its resources at the memorial campaign and unveiling we are appealing to the public to help us finance this new project, to enable us "to show the flag" and represent Wales in flying it's proud dragon amongst the standards of the other nations at the many ceremonies to come to mark the 2014-2018 Centenary."
In the photo above, (left to right) Manhattan Beer salesman Kevin Gallagher, Palm Brewery Owner Jan Toye, Latis San Francisco brand ambassador Colleen McCleod and North East Sales Director Bob Stacy show the flag at the Palm Brewery.
A touch of the old imperial thinking, when we could invade anywhere, show the flag and sort them out.
Are we paying these crews solely to show the flag throughout the world?
Shunji Yanai used the idiom ''show the flag'' to describe a high-ranking U.S.
Washington encouraged Tokyo's swift moves by asking it to ''show the flag.'' Neither Washington nor Tokyo seemed to pay heed to the weary voices from Koreans and Chinese, among other Asians who were mercilessly trampled upon by the Japanese imperial army before and during World War II.
After all, these "show the flag" missions generate good P.R., and good P.R.
Forget it!" The problem with many "show the flag" activities is no one calculates cost against results.
Ulster's unionist parties were urged last night: Show the flag at Stormont and show the bombers they can't win.
The PAL commemorative stamps show the flag carrier flying over a map of the world, with the Philippine islands highlighted in blue.
Mr Parri, who is in the first year of a Welsh and French degree at Bangor University, said: "The flags will be given out on the condition that they send us a picture to show the flag is being used.