Raising the Flag (Furagu ga Tatsu)
A term used to describe a certain point where a distinctive decision was made that alters the outcome. The meaning comes from the computer term "flag," which you can read at
wikipedia.
It's-been-a-while-but-still-a-very-crappy-usage-example:
"I decided to comment on the way the girl ties her hair differently everyday. That
raised the flag for my future headaches with her..."
Related terms:
Death Flag (Shibou Flag)
The "death" flag. A certain comment, decision, or any other distinctive moment where the viewer knows that the character is going to die soon.
You've-seen-this-many-times-didn't-you-example:
"The character's best friend showed him a photo of his wife and child he left behind. Aww crap, his
death flag has been raised."