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Words and Their StoriesLearning Expressions with VOA
Processed with VS1Ask for early reactions to a proposal before making it official, using practical workplace expressions.
VOA source audio
Source: VOA Learning English · Words and Their Stories
View original article & transcriptTo “run an idea up the flagpole” is to share a proposal to see how people respond before committing to it. The story connects this to brainstorming, throwing spaghetti at the wall, bouncing ideas off someone, taking feedback on board, and gauging interest.
Cultural note: The flagpole phrase is informal business jargon and may sound dated or unclear to some listeners. In a cross-cultural or plain-language setting, “get early feedback” or “test the idea” may be clearer.
Keep exploringAn early draft invites feedback; it is not a final decision. Practise asking people to react to an idea and explaining what you will do with their input.
Phrase guide · 5 expressions
Original explanations and examples, created for learners. Save a card for later or hear the phrase spoken by your browser.
Share an early proposal to learn whether it has support.
Meaning
Present an idea or proposal to see how people react to it.
Tone & use
Informal business jargon. The longer version is “run it up the flagpole and see who salutes.”
Example
“Before announcing the new hours, the manager ran the proposal up the flagpole with staff.”
Meaning
Try many ideas to see which ones work or get a positive response.
Tone & use
Very informal and often used during brainstorming; it can suggest an unstructured approach.
Example
“For the first round, we threw spaghetti at the wall and listed every possible event theme.”
Ask trusted people for their reactions before deciding.
Meaning
Share an idea with someone to hear their thoughts or reaction.
Tone & use
Often used as a polite request: “Could I bounce an idea off you?”
Example
“Could I bounce the draft schedule off you before I send it to the whole team?”
Meaning
Find out how interested or supportive people are.
Tone & use
Common in planning and business. “Gauge” means estimate or measure.
Example
“The library posted a short survey to gauge interest in evening classes.”
Explain how feedback may shape the next version.
Meaning
Listen to and consider an idea, comment, or piece of advice.
Tone & use
Common in British English and professional contexts; it does not necessarily mean agreeing.
Example
“We took the accessibility feedback on board and revised the sign-up page.”
Knowledge check
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