Union Jack flag upside down
Definition
A traditional maritime distress signal where the Union Jack—the national flag of the United Kingdom—is flown upside down, indicating an urgent need for assistance, particularly on ships.
Informally, an inverted display of the UK flag used to convey emergency or distress in British contexts, stemming from nautical conventions.
Examples
The yacht's crew flew the Union Jack flag upside down after running out of gin, summoning the coast guard for a proper resupply.
After England's latest football defeat, fans draped the Union Jack flag upside down over the pub, a universal SOS for better luck next time.
Spotting the Union Jack flag upside down on the neighbor's mast, we rushed over with tea and biscuits, assuming a full-blown crumpet crisis.
He hung the Union Jack flag upside down from his window during tax season, cleverly signaling distress without uttering a word.
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