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flag up

B2 neutral separable transitive

To draw attention to something, especially a problem, issue, or concern, so that it can be dealt with.

In plain English

To tell someone about a problem or important thing so they know about it.

What does "flag up" mean?

One main meaning — here's how to use it.

1 B2 idiomatic neutral

To draw someone's attention to a problem, issue, or important piece of information.

"I wanted to flag up a few concerns before we proceed with the project."

Ministers have flagged up the need for additional funding.

— BBC News, political reporting, widely used phrasing
separable

Literal vs figurative

Words literally mean

Raising a flag to signal — 'up' implies raising the flag to make it visible.

Actually means

To tell someone about a problem or important thing so they know about it.

Usage tip

Very common in British English, especially in professional, journalistic, and governmental contexts. Less common in American English, where 'flag' alone or 'point out' is preferred. Often used in workplace communication.

Words that pair with "flag up"

Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.

problem issue concern error risk discrepancy

How to conjugate "flag up"

The five tense forms you'll use most often.

Base
flag up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
flags up
he/she/it
Past simple
flaged up
yesterday
Past participle
flaged up
have + pp
-ing form
flaging up
continuous

Hear "flag up" in the wild

Listen to native speakers using "flag up" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.

Other ways to say "flag up"

Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.

draw attention to highlight identify point out raise signal

Keep exploring

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