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Define: "Run it up the flagpole"

The corporate definition of Run it up the flagpole

What HR thinks it means:

To test an idea to see what the reaction will be.

What it actually means:

"Let's ask the boss, who will inevitably say no."

Use it in a meeting:

"I'll run the budget request for new switches up the flagpole, but I fully expect the CFO to shoot it down with a bazooka."

Related Terminology

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