chequered flag: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2sports journalism, informal, idiomatic
Quick answer
What does “chequered flag” mean?
A black-and-white checked flag waved to signal the winner crossing the finish line in a motor race.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A black-and-white checked flag waved to signal the winner crossing the finish line in a motor race.
Symbolizes victory, completion of a contest, or the successful conclusion of a challenging endeavour. Can describe something marked by varied fortunes, like a 'chequered past'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling: 'chequered' (UK) vs. 'checkered' (US). The motorsport term is identical in concept and use.
Connotations
Identical sporting connotations. The metaphorical adjective 'chequered/checkered' (as in 'a checkered past') is more common in US usage.
Frequency
Higher frequency in the UK due to stronger cultural presence of Formula 1. The US equivalent term is equally recognized.
Grammar
How to Use “chequered flag” in a Sentence
[Subject] waves the chequered flag.[Subject] takes the chequered flag.The chequered flag comes out for [winner].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “chequered flag” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The race director will flag the winner.
- The session was red-flagged before the chequered flag could be shown.
American English
- The steward flagged the car for a penalty.
- He was checkered-flagged as the champion.
adjective
British English
- He has a chequered employment history.
- The team's chequered performance continued.
American English
- She had a checkered academic career.
- The company's checkered reputation affected sales.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Metaphorical: 'The project finally took the chequered flag after months of delays.'
Academic
Rare, except in sports history or cultural studies of motorsport.
Everyday
Used when discussing sports results or metaphorically for finishing any long task: 'I've finally written the last chapter – chequered flag!'
Technical
Literal use in motorsport regulations and commentary.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “chequered flag”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “chequered flag”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “chequered flag”
- Using 'checked flag' (verb form) instead of 'chequered/checkered' (adjective). Confusing it with a 'black flag' (disqualification).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is used across many forms of motorsport, including NASCAR, IndyCar, and touring car races.
Not commonly. The related term 'to flag' is used, but 'to chequered-flag' is non-standard. You 'wave' or 'take' the chequered flag.
In UK English, 'chequered' is the standard spelling for the pattern and the flag. 'Checked' is the past tense of the verb 'to check'. In US English, 'checkered' is used for the pattern/flag.
The white flag, which signals one lap remaining in many racing series.
A black-and-white checked flag waved to signal the winner crossing the finish line in a motor race.
Chequered flag is usually sports journalism, informal, idiomatic in register.
Chequered flag: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtʃekəd flæɡ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtʃekərd flæɡ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To take the chequered flag (to win)”
- “A chequered past/career (one with varied fortunes)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a CHECKERboard pattern on a FLAG. In a race, you CHECK if you're first when you see it.
Conceptual Metaphor
COMPLETION IS CROSSING A FINISH LINE; SUCCESS IS WINNING A RACE; A VARIED LIFE IS A PATTERNED (CHECKERED) FABRIC.
Practice
Quiz
What does 'a chequered history' metaphorically mean?