flag down meaning and examples

Meaning

To signal someone (usually a driver or vehicle) to stop by waving or gesturing with the hand or an object.

Grammar and Usage

• Part of speech: Phrasal verb
• Transitive: Yes (you can flag down a taxi, flag down a bus, etc.)
• Pattern: flag down + object (person/vehicle)

Example structure:

• flag down a taxi
• flag down the police officer

Common Phrases

• flag down a taxi
• flag down a bus
• flag down help
• flag down the police

Collocations

• verb + object: flag down a car, flag down traffic, flag down someone
• noun + verb: pedestrian flagged down a taxi, driver flagged down a truck

Examples

1. He tried to flag down a taxi late at night.
2. The hiker managed to flag down a passing car for help.
3. I had to flag down the waiter to get the bill.
4. The police officer flagged down the speeding vehicle.
5. She stood on the roadside and flagged down the bus.
6. He waved his arms to flag down the ambulance.
7. We finally flagged down a cab after waiting for 20 minutes.
8. A farmer flagged down the truck to ask for directions.

Synonyms or Related

• wave down
• signal
• call over
• hail (esp. a taxi)

Antonym

• ignore
• pass by
• drive past