keep the flag flying
Sustain the cause
To keep the flag flying is to maintain support for a cause, tradition, or standard, especially during difficult times or when others have abandoned it.
The image is of a flag still waving over a position that hasn't surrendered: With most of the original staff gone, she's the one keeping the flag flying.
The phrase suggests both loyalty and perseverance.
- flagCloth symbol or signal
- supportTo uphold or sustain
- determinationFirmness of purpose
- emblemRepresentational sign or device
- bannerDisplayed strip with message
allegiance · championing · rally the troops · persistence · carry on · fight the good fight · resolve · stand firm · hold the line · devotion · courage · solidarity · fortitude · stay the course · never give up · defiance · tenacity · undaunted
keep the flag flyinggive up
Stop attempting something
surrender · throw in the towel · wave the white flag · raise the white flag · quit
keep the flag flyingraise the white flag
Signal of surrender
strike the colors · wave the white flag · lay down arms · cry uncle · turn tail
keep the flag flyinglose heart
Become discouraged or demoralized
despair · lose faith · abandon hope · break down · fall apart
keeping, keeper, keepers, flagged, flagging, flagship, flying