flag down

Idioms  

1. Signal to stop, as in The police were flagging down all cars. This expression uses the verb flag in the sense of “catch the attention of, as by waving a flag,” a usage dating from the mid-1800s; down was added in the first half of the 1900s.

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Example Sentences

Peterson has shown flashes of brilliance, but has also missed time with mysterious injuries and seen his play flag down the stretch.

From The Wall Street Journal

Theo turns and flags down the conductor, who sees him and makes a sharp jab with his index finger, a gesture telling Theo to sit down.

From Literature

Once Dad and I finish eating, Brie flags down the waitress to say we’re ready for dessert.

From Literature

She explained how afterwards, she ran to a main road, flagging down a woman driving past.

From BBC

All were flagged down outside county social services offices, where many were on their way to get food assistance and cash aid.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• address
• greet
• salute
• signal
• welcome