wave the white flag

present singular third person waves the white flag · participle present waving the white flag · participle past waved the white flag · past waved the white flag · alternative raise the white flag · alternative hoist the white flag · alternative show the white flag

1. To indicate to an opposing force that one is surrendering.

   Then it was seen how perilous was the situation of the Boer snipers. . . . There was no escape for them save across the open. It says much for their courage that they took that perilous choice rather than wave the white flag, which would have ensured their safety.

   1900, Arthur Conan Doyle, chapter 30, in The Great Boer War

   Synonyms: capitulate

2. figurativelyTo yield, give up, or quit.

   The Louisiana governor accused the president of “waving the white flag” on the American economy.

   2014 Feb. 24, "Bobby Jindal After Meeting With Obama" (video), New York Times (retrieved 25 April 2014)

   2 more examples

   I started in with a fine left-hander on his right eye. Liverpool had been a fighter once, but dissipation and bad company had taken the nerve out of him. In ten minutes I had him lying on the sand waving the white flag.

   1911, O Henry, “The Day We Celebrate”, in Sixes and Sevens

   Last week the Herald waved the white flag, editorialized: "In view of the Professor's unfortunate exposé of Boston newspaper punditing, we have little alternative but to follow his advice."

   1951 May 21, “The Press: Fog Cutter”, in Time, retrieved 25 Apr 2014

   Synonyms: capitulate