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  What it means

  Literally “cheap flag,” this idiom refers to a flag of convenience — registering a ship (or by extension, any entity) under a foreign flag to avoid regulations or taxes. Figuratively, it describes a superficial or dishonest affiliation adopted for personal gain.

  Vocabulary

  • tania — cheap
  • bandera — flag (especially of a ship)

  Cultural context

  Originates from maritime practice where ships register under countries with lax regulations. In Polish, it's also used figuratively for opportunistic allegiances.

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