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

1. flag consisting of a piece of white cloth that is hoisted to signal surrender or to ask for a truce