green light

noun

: authority or permission to proceed

green-light

ˈgrēn-ˌlīt 

transitive verb

Synonyms

• allowance
• authorization
• clearance
• concurrence
• consent
• granting
• leave
• license
• licence
• permission
• sanction
• sufferance
• warrant

Examples of green light in a Sentence

we were given the green light to use the town commons for our fund-raiser

Recent Examples on the Web

Even though the shows are computer-controlled, a pilot typically has to be present at all times to carry out technical checks, ensure the flight area is clear and give the final green light. —Caroline Reid, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024

North Phoenix shopping center gets green light from city despite opposition These famous metro Phoenix fried chicken restaurants closed recently. —Catherine Reagor, The Arizona Republic, 6 Dec. 2024

The other shapes in the background—mere pinpricks of orange, yellow and green light—are more galaxies, and their colors reveal properties such as their distances from Earth, per a NASA statement. —Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 Dec. 2024

There can be rough patches and detours, stop signs and green lights. —Janis Carr, Orange County Register, 2 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

from the green traffic light which signals permission to proceed

First Known Use

1937, in the meaning defined above