white flag

American  

noun

1. an all-white banner or piece of cloth, used as a symbol of surrender or truce.

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idioms

1. hoist / show / wave the white flag,  to give up; weaken; yield.

white flag British  

noun

1. a white flag or a piece of white cloth hoisted to signify surrender or request a truce

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Other Word Forms

• white-flag adjective

Etymology

Origin of white flag

First recorded in 1590–1600

Example Sentences

If Dr. Prasad’s views prevail at the FDA, we might as well wave a white flag in the war against cancer.

From The Wall Street Journal

The Bruins waved the white flag in the final two minutes, allowing Madden Iamaleava to make his collegiate debut in relief of Duncan.

From Los Angeles Times

Redick waved the white flag by the middle of the third quarter after the starting unit let the deficit balloon to 25.

From Los Angeles Times

The Eagles look to have the most comfortable division lead, while the Bills and Patriots will fight it out for the title with the Jets and Dolphins already waving the white flag.

From BBC

But Meals is not one to wave a white flag or call for a helicopter evacuation.

From Los Angeles Times