🏁 Run It Up the Flagpole and See Who Salutes: A Shout-out to Classic Clichés 🚩
This cliché, reminiscent of raising a flag on a mast, was popularized in the 1960s by the Madison Avenue advertising industry. If you were strolling down those hallowed halls during the golden age of ads, you might’ve heard phrases like this bandied about as readily as free lunch tokens. Imagine a room filled with suits, each brilliant idea launched into the air like a flag, hoping for a nod, a salute, or perhaps just a polite clap. But does our modern lingo still haven room for this nostalgic gem? 🤔
Definition
Run it up the flagpole and see who salutes: To propose an idea tentatively and observe the reactions it receives.
Similar Terms and Expressions
- Test the waters: To try something out to gauge response.
- Float a trial balloon: To tentatively measure the public’s reaction.
- Gauge interest: To assess someone’s level of interest or concern.
- Kick the tires: To examine or test something before committing.
Humorous Quote
“Is my idea about biodegradable tutus financially sound? Let’s run it up the flagpole and see who dances!”
Synonyms
- Pitch
- Suggest
- Propose
- Present
Antonyms
- Withdraw
- Conceal
Relevant Proverbs
- “Test the water before you dive in.”
Literature, Movies, and Songs
- Book: “Mad Men and the Art of Thrifty Thinking” (Fictional Book) by Ivy General Mills
- Movie: “Crazy People” (1990) - A comedy about an honest advertising exec.
- Song: “Mad Avenue Blues” - A satire song on the advertising world.
Educational Thought
Just as the world of Mad Men was filled with pitches and brainstorms, true innovation often comes from throwing ideas into the world and gauging reactions. Whether in advertising or daily life creativity thrives best when we run concepts “up the flagpole.”
Farewell
Until next time, remember that ideas are like flags: they need the wind of public opinion to fly.
