keep the flag flying

English

Verb

keep the flag flying (third-person singular simple present keeps the flag flying, present participle keeping the flag flying, simple past and past participle kept the flag flying)

1. (bridge) To bid more or less rashly in order to liven up the game.
   • 1911, Advanced Auction Bridge, page 158:

     In spite of Y's double and in spite of the fact that the spade suit is not of the slightest use to him, as A cannot get any discards on it, A bids two hearts not only to keep the flag flying and prevent Z from going game but with high hopes that Y's double is a bluff.

   • 1929, The Sketch: A Journal of Art and Actuality, volume 147, page 96:

     […] all I know is that to keep the flag flying is an accepted part of bridge, […]

Related terms

• flag-flying