green light

¹

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.

green-light

²

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.

green light

noun

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

2. permission to proceed with a project

verb

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

Example Sentences

“The consequences for minority representation would likely be devastating. In particular, states with unified Republican governments would have a green light to flip as many Democratic minority-opportunity districts as possible.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

In Saul Valdivia’s preschool classroom, a neon green light emanates from underneath the opaque surface of a wooden table.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Corpus Christi obtained permits and got the green light for $757 million in low-interest loans from the state.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

“It’s the green light that says, OK, we can go back now,” said Mark Dreyer, the Beijing-based author of “Sporting Superpower,” about China’s sports industry.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The company was previously barred from offering its contracts to customers in the U.S., but regulators have recently given the company the green light.

Read more on MarketWatch

Related Words

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