Run It Up the Flagpole (and See Who Salutes) 🚩
Looking to test the waters? Keen to see if your idea inspires a chorus of “Hoorahs”, or just awkward crickets? Well then, it’s time to “run it up the flagpole (and see who salutes)”!
Definition
- Run it up the flagpole (and see who salutes): An idiom urging one to propose an idea or plan to gauge interest or reactions.
History
This cliché feels straight out of the Mad Men era, encapsulating the spirit of 1960s advertising genius—creative, yet practical. First emerging from the buzz and fizz of Madison Avenue’s think tanks, the phrase later permeated broader business lingo. Picture an ad exec nervously presenting a campaign idea, eyeing the boss for any hint of approval. 🎬
Commonly Related Terms
- Run it by/past: “I need to run this concept by Frank to get his thoughts.”
- Test the waters: “Let’s float this idea to measure interest.”
- Bounce it off someone: “Mind if I bounce an idea off you?”
- Trial balloon: “Consider this a trial balloon to see how folks react.”
Synonyms & Antonyms
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Synonyms:
- Pitch an idea
- Beta test
- Soft launch
- Road test
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Antonyms:
- Shelve the idea
- Keep it under wraps
- Sit on it
Proverbs & Similar Expressions
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“A word to the wise is sufficient.” — Sometimes you only need to suggest an idea to the right people.
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“Testing the waters is better than diving blindfolded.” — (Of course, no such official proverb, but you get the drift!)
Humor-Filled Quotes
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“Running it up the flagpole? Guess we’re out of creative ideas again!” — Anonymous advertising intern.
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“Committees are indispensable when you don’t want to do anything.” — John Kenneth Galbraith.
Literature, Books, Songs, and Screen Recommendations
- Literature: “Madison Avenue: The Edwardian Years” by Mary Wells Lawrence, exploring the golden age of advertising.
- Books: “Made to Stick: Why Some Ideas Survive and Others Die” by Chip Heath & Dan Heath — on making messages stick.
- Movies: “Mad Men” series for glamorous ad-exec adventures.
- Songs: “My Way” by Frank Sinatra — an anthem to crafting and presenting unique ideas.
- Poetry: “The Road Not Taken” by Robert Frost — the essence of making decisions and seeing where they lead.
Quizzes 😄
Just remember, sometimes the best reaction comes from the least expected direction. So, go ahead—run it up the flagpole and see who salutes! 🚩
💡 Keep your flags flying high,
- Lulu Laughalot, aspiring philosopher and keen humorist (since October 2023)
