Flag down意思

"Flag down" is an English phrase that means to stop something or someone by waving a flag or something similar, such as a piece of cloth or a hand. It is often used in the context of signaling for help or to indicate a need to stop.

Here are some examples of how "flag down" might be used in different situations:

  1. Emergency Situation: If you are in trouble and see a passing vehicle, you might flag it down by waving your arms or a brightly colored cloth to get the driver's attention and ask for help.

  2. Public Transportation: In some countries, especially in rural areas, you can flag down a bus or a taxi by waving your hand as it approaches. This is a way to signal the driver that you want to board.

  3. Maritime Signal: At sea, a flag can be used to signal distress or to communicate with other ships. Flagging down in this context could mean using a specific flag or sequence of flags to indicate an emergency.

  4. Airport Ground Operations: At airports, ground crew members might use flags to signal to pilots during takeoff and landing operations. For example, a red flag might be used to signal the pilot to stop the aircraft.

  5. Police or Security: Law enforcement or security personnel might flag down a vehicle they suspect is involved in criminal activity or to get the attention of a driver who is breaking the law.

  6. Roadside Assistance: If you have a broken-down vehicle on the side of the road, you might flag down a passing car to ask for help or to use their phone to call for assistance.

In each of these cases, the act of flagging down is a way to quickly and clearly communicate a need for attention or action.