green light

¹ American  

noun

1. a green-colored traffic light used to signal drivers, pedestrians, etc., that they may proceed.

2. authorization; approval; permission.

   The railroad has been given the green light on the proposed fare increase.

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green-light ² American  

verb (used with object)

green-lighted, green-lit, green-lighting

1. to give permission to proceed; authorize.

   The renovation project was green-lighted by the board of directors.

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green light British  

noun

1. a signal to go, esp a green traffic light

2. permission to proceed with a project

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verb

1. to permit (a project, etc) to proceed

Example Sentences

While some states have stepped in with stricter regulations, the federal rollback has essentially given a green light to opaque pricing practices.

From MarketWatch

Also, 80% failed to notice an initial flashing green light warning drivers to resume control of the wheel.

From The Wall Street Journal

EU countries in December gave their green light, putting pressure on lawmakers to grant their formal approval too.

From Barron's

EU countries in December gave their green light, putting pressure on lawmakers.

From Barron's

A successful study would be the green light to develop what the billionaire investor expects will be the largest single gold mine in the U.S.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• approval
• assent
• blessing
• clearance
• consent
• go ahead
• permission
• seal of approval
• thumbs-up