false flag

Definitions

1. 1

   A ruse, in the days of sail, in which an attacking ship would fly the colours of its…

   A ruse, in the days of sail, in which an attacking ship would fly the colours of its enemy until close enough to open fire.

2. 2

   A diversionary or propaganda tactic of deceiving an adversary into thinking that an…

   A diversionary or propaganda tactic of deceiving an adversary into thinking that an operation was carried out by another party.

   • The US has made noncommittal statements so far. Meanwhile, many experts on Russia have raised the possibility that the strike could have been a false-flag operation from Moscow.
3. 3

   To target someone or something with a false flag or ruse.

   • He instinctively false-flagged Arthur's information. There was no reason to expose the CIA or one of its deep-cover agents.
   • Some of its best agents have been Arabs false-flagged to believe that they were being paid by some other country or alliance.
   • We were false-flagged, sir. Obviously the Nationalists and the UDFC

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