# Run It Up the Flagpole Explained in Simple English (2026)

> "Run it up the flagpole" means to share an idea with others to see how they react before deciding.

- **Term:** run it up the flagpole
- **Part of speech:** idiom
- **Pronunciation:** /rʌn ɪt ʌp ðə ˈflæɡpoʊl/
- **English level (CEFR):** C1
- **Register:** Casual, Spoken
- **Region:** US
- **Topic:** [Business jargon](https://app.speaktechenglish.com/learn/topics/business-jargon.md)
- **Lesson:** https://app.speaktechenglish.com/learn/run-it-up-the-flagpole
- **Last updated:** 2026-10-29

## Meaning

"Run it up the flagpole" means to share an idea with others to see how they react before deciding.

The full old saying is "run it up the flagpole and see who salutes", which means "test the idea and see who supports it". In offices it often means testing an idea with management: "Let me run it up the flagpole with my VP." It sounds old-fashioned and very corporate, so many people use it with a smile. "Float the idea" or "get a reaction" are more neutral.

## When you hear it

You suggest a four-day work week pilot, and your manager says "Interesting, let me run it up the flagpole."

## Examples

- **in a one-on-one:** "I like the idea. Let me run it up the flagpole with the VP and get back to you."
- **in a strategy meeting:** "Before we build anything, let's run the pricing idea up the flagpole with a few customers."
- **joking in Slack:** "Running this up the flagpole: tacos for the team lunch?"

## What native speakers say

- "Let me run it up the flagpole and see what leadership thinks."
- "Can we run this up the flagpole before we commit?"
- "I'll float the idea with the team first."

## Common mistakes

- ✗ "Let's run it up the flag." → ✓ "Let's run it up the flagpole." (The idiom uses "flagpole".)
- ✗ "I ran up the flagpole the decision." → ✓ "I ran the decision up the flagpole." (Put the object in the middle: "run [the idea] up the flagpole".)
- ✗ "Run it up the flagpole (to mean approve it)" → ✓ "Get it approved" (The idiom means test the reaction, not get final approval.)

## Be careful

It sounds dated. Use "float the idea" if you want to sound neutral.

## Word forms

| Part of speech | Word | Example |
| --- | --- | --- |
| with object | run [idea] up the flagpole | Let's run the plan up the flagpole. |
| past | ran it up the flagpole | I ran it up the flagpole yesterday. |


## Collocations

- **run it up the flagpole with**: test with a person or group
- **and see who salutes**: the full traditional saying
- **float an idea**: a plainer alternative

## Synonyms

- **float an idea**: neutral
- **sound someone out**: UK, check opinion
- **get a reaction**: plain English

## Opposites

- decide alone
- push it through

## Practice

This lesson has 4 practice exercises with instant feedback on the page: https://app.speaktechenglish.com/learn/run-it-up-the-flagpole

## FAQ

### What does run it up the flagpole mean?

To share an idea to see how people react before making a decision.

### What is the full saying?

"Run it up the flagpole and see who salutes."

### Is the phrase old-fashioned?

Yes, it sounds dated and very corporate. People often use it a bit jokingly.

### What can I say instead?

"Float the idea", "get a reaction" or "check with leadership".


## Related

- [buy-in](https://app.speaktechenglish.com/learn/buy-in.md)
- [socialize](https://app.speaktechenglish.com/learn/socialize.md)
- [temperature check](https://app.speaktechenglish.com/learn/temperature-check.md)
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