devise vs run something up the flagpole

devise

• To use one’s intellect to plan or design (something). 

• To leave (property) in a will. 

• The act of leaving real property in a will. 

• Design, devising. 

• Such a will, or a clause in such a will. 

• The real property left in such a will. 

run something up the flagpole

• To propose an idea or make a suggestion in order to learn the reaction of others to it.