yellow flag
• noun
A yellow cloth banner or penalty marker used in sports, maritime signaling, or public health to indicate a hazard, rule infringement, caution period, or quarantine.
"The race officials waved a yellow flag to warn drivers of debris on the track and prohibit overtaking."
A mild warning sign, clinical indicator, or subtle cause for concern that warrants attention or caution, though less severe than a critical red flag.
"In physical therapy, a patient's fear of movement is considered a psychosocial yellow flag that may delay recovery."
A tall perennial wetland plant of the iris family (Iris pseudacorus), native to Europe, western Asia, and northwest Africa, bearing long sword-shaped leaves and showy, bright yellow flowers with three drooping outer petals.
"Clusters of blooming yellow flag lined the shallow margins of the pond in early summer."
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