Wave the white flag Meaning in English
expression
Definition
To show that you give up or surrender, often after a struggle or when you know you cannot win.
Usage & Nuances
This is an idiom, used figuratively for surrendering in arguments, competitions, or challenges—not just in war. Most common in informal or conversational settings. Often interchangeable with 'give up' or 'admit defeat'.
Example Sentences
After losing five games, the team decided to wave the white flag.
basic
He finally had to wave the white flag and ask for help.
basic
When the puzzle got too hard, she chose to wave the white flag.
basic
I didn't want to wave the white flag, but I couldn't finish the project alone.
natural
Sometimes it's smarter to wave the white flag than to keep fighting a losing battle.
natural
After hours of negotiation, both sides agreed to wave the white flag.
natural