1A flag flown to disguise the true identity or affiliation of a ship.
Captain Young hauled down his false flag, hoisted the American ensign, and opened fire
figurative he hides behind the false flag of patriotism
2usually as modifierA political or military act orchestrated in such a way that it appears to have been carried out by a party that is not in fact responsible.
some believe that the bombings were a false flag operation by state forces
Definition of false flag in US English:
false flag
noun
1A flag flown to disguise the true identity or affiliation of a ship.
Captain Young hauled down his false flag, hoisted the American ensign, and opened fire
figurative he hides behind the false flag of patriotism
2usually as modifierA political or military act orchestrated in such a way that it appears to have been carried out by a party that is not in fact responsible.
some believe that the bombings were a false flag operation by state forces