Crossword Genius

He hoists a flag but not for the winner (6-2)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

runner-up

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'winner' is the definition.
(thesaurus)

'he hoists a flag but not' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'not' could be 'un' (prefix meaning 'not') and 'un' is located in the answer.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

'for the' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for runner-up that I've seen before include "Competitor who finishes second" , "He finishes second in a competition" , "One nearly winning" , "Silver medallist" , "Second best?" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
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