THE IDIOM COLLECTION LEARN & PRACTISE
Give the green light
Understand the meaning. See it in context. Make it yours.
01 / UNDERSTAND
Meaning in plain English
To give permission for something to begin or go ahead.
02 / SEE IT IN CONTEXT
The expression in a sentence
- The manager gave the green light to the training project.
03 / CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING
Quick idiom quiz
Try the question without looking back, then write a sentence of your own. You can retry as often as you like.
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Can you recall the expression?
Which expression from this lesson matches this meaning?
To give permission for something to begin or go ahead.
Show the answer
Give the green light — To give permission for something to begin or go ahead.
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Make it yours
Write one sentence using “Give the green light” about your own life.
Check your sentence
Does your sentence match this meaning?
To give permission for something to begin or go ahead.
Compare: The manager gave the green light to the training project.
Check the spelling and how the expression fits the sentence. Your example can be different.
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More ways to understand and use it
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When to use it
Use it when someone with authority approves a plan or activity. It suits conversation and workplace discussion.
More examples in context
- We cannot place the order until the finance team gives us the green light.
- The school has given the green light for the club to use the hall.
Usage note
The person who approves gives the green light; the person receiving permission gets the green light. Approval does not guarantee success.
A short conversation
A: Can we start inviting speakers?
B: Yes, the director has given the green light.
A: I will send the invitations today.
One more practice question
What happens when a manager gives a project the green light?
A. The manager authorises it to go ahead.
B. The manager orders it to be cancelled.
Check your answer
A. The green light is permission to proceed.
Related lessons
Meaning and usage checked against Cambridge Dictionary. Explanations, examples and conversation are original.