Let's run it up the flagpole 🏃🚩

Meaning

To propose an idea or plan to a superior or to a wider group to gauge their reaction before committing to it.

Origin

Imagine a military commander in the field, needing to present a new strategy. Before ordering troops into battle or signaling a full advance, they'd want to see how the proposal lands. So, they'd hoist a specific banner, or 'the flagpole,' effectively saying, 'Here's the plan, let's see who salutes it.' This visual act of presenting the idea for approval, to see if it gained traction or was immediately shot down, became the metaphor we use today for testing the waters with a new concept in the corporate or creative world. It's about gauging support before going all-in.

🗣️ communication 👑⚖️ power ☠️ risk 🔒 secrets

Let's run it up the flagpole represented with emoji🏃🚩

This playful pairing of a runner and a flag invites us to consider the spirited proposal of an idea, as if testing the waters before diving in. It functions as a visual metaphor for the brave act of putting forth a concept, allowing us to playfully imagine the moment of initial suggestion and the anticipation of its reception.

Examples

  • Before we invest a lot of money, let's run it up the flagpole with the marketing team to see what they think.
  • I'm not sure if this new slogan will resonate, so let's run it up the flagpole and get some feedback.
  • We've got this wild idea for a squirrel-powered delivery service; let's run it up the flagpole and see if anyone wants to invest in acorn futures.
  • My plan is to train a flock of pigeons to deliver tiny scrolls of poetry, but first, let's run it up the flagpole with the mayor and see if she thinks it's a good way to boost tourism.

Frequently asked questions

Is 'let's run it up the flagpole' a formal or informal phrase?

While it can be used in professional settings, 'let's run it up the flagpole' is generally considered an informal idiom. It implies a casual, non-committal way of testing ideas, often used in less hierarchical environments or among colleagues.

What's a common synonym for 'let's run it up the flagpole'?

A common synonym is 'float an idea,' which also conveys the sense of presenting something tentatively to see how it's received. Both phrases suggest a low-risk way to gather feedback before fully committing.

When did the phrase 'let's run it up the flagpole' become popular?

The phrase gained significant traction in business and corporate jargon during the latter half of the 20th century. Its widespread use is often attributed to the rise of team-based project management and brainstorming techniques.

Can 'let's run it up the flagpole' be used negatively?

Yes, the phrase can sometimes carry a dismissive or condescending tone. It might imply that an idea is not fully thought out or that the person suggesting it is avoiding responsibility for its potential failure by seeking external validation first.

Similar to "let's run it up the flagpole"

Toss it up to the brass
Both suggest presenting an idea for higher-ups to consider, but 'toss it up to the brass' has a more deferential, almost casual, tone, implying a quick, less invested submission than the more exploratory 'run it up the flagpole'
Do a trial balloon
Both involve testing an idea's reception discreetly, but 'do a trial balloon' is specifically about gauging public or political reaction, whereas 'run it up the flagpole' is broader, often involving internal stakeholders
Float it out there
Both phrases describe introducing an idea to see how it's received, but 'float it out there' feels more experimental and less structured, like casting a net widely, while 'run it up the flagpole' suggests a more defined, albeit preliminary, presentation to authority

Opposite of "let's run it up the flagpole"

Just do it
This phrase argues for immediate, decisive action without seeking external validation, a stark contrast to 'run it up the flagpole' which prioritizes pre-emptive feedback and risk assessment
Take the bull by the horns
This advocates for confronting a challenge head-on with courage and conviction, directly opposing the cautious, indirect approach of 'running it up the flagpole' to test the waters first

Related to "let's run it up the flagpole"

Test the waters
This phrase shares the cautious, investigative spirit of 'run it up the flagpole,' focusing on gauging the environment before full commitment
Get buy-in
While 'run it up the flagpole' is about initial reception, 'get buy-in' represents a later, more concerted effort to secure support after an idea has proven its worth
Sound out stakeholders
This closely related phrase describes the action inherent in 'running it up the flagpole,' emphasizing the intentional process of consulting key individuals to assess an idea's viability
Put it on the table
Both phrases involve presenting an idea for consideration, but 'put it on the table' is often a more formal or definitive step, whereas 'run it up the flagpole' is a preliminary test