white flag
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: 1. A flag of white cloth or material, hoisted as a signal of surrender, truce, or ceasefire. It is a universally recognized symbol indicating a desire to stop fighting, negotiate, or yield.
Usage
The term "white flag" is used to describe the specific object and the act of displaying it. * It is typically hoisted, raised, waved, or shown. * The action is often described as flying the white flag.
Examples
- The besieged garrison finally raised the white flag after running out of supplies.
- Waving a white flag, the soldier cautiously approached the enemy lines to negotiate.
- In many contexts, showing a white flag is protected by the laws of war as a sign of peaceful intent.
Advanced Usage
- Metaphorical Use: The phrase "to raise/show/wave the white flag" is commonly used metaphorically to mean admitting defeat, giving up, or ceasing resistance in any conflict or competition, not just military.
- After losing three games in a row, the team's manager finally raised the white flag and changed the strategy.
- I wave the white flag; you win the argument.
Variants and Related Words
- Flag of truce: A more formal term with the same meaning.
- Parley flag: Another synonym, stemming from the word for a discussion or conference between enemies.
Synonyms
- Surrender flag
- Flag of truce
- Parley flag
Related Idioms and Phrases
- To raise/show/wave the white flag: To surrender, concede defeat, or stop resisting.
- He argued for hours but eventually showed the white flag.
- A white-flag moment: An instance or decision point where one chooses to surrender or give up.
- Missing that crucial deadline was her white-flag moment in the project.
Noun
- flag consisting of a piece of white cloth that is hoisted to signal surrender or to ask for a truce