ɡɪv ðə ɡriːn laɪt
- Literally:
- to show a green traffic signal
What does "give the green light" mean?
- to give permission or approval to proceed
- to authorize something
Examples
- The board gave the green light to the new marketing campaign.
- We can't start construction until the city gives us the green light.
- Her doctor gave her the green light to return to sports after the injury.
Origin
From traffic signals, where green means go. The figurative usage dates from the early 20th century, after traffic lights were widely adopted.
How to use it
Very commonly used in business, project management, and everyday conversation. Can be used in passive form: 'The project was given the green light.'
Similar expressions
Opposites
Related idioms
- black and white
clearly defined with no ambiguity
- silver lining
a positive aspect of an otherwise bad situation
- grey area
a situation or topic that is unclear or not well-defined
- black sheep
a member of a group who is considered different or disreputable
- golden opportunity
an excellent or ideal chance that may not come again
- white lie
a harmless or small lie told to avoid hurting someone's feelings
Use it in a practice answer
Try "give the green light" in a CELPIP-style Speaking or Writing task. The AI feedback tells you whether your word choice worked.