Give the green light

Definitions

• authorize or approve something
  To give permission or approval for something to happen or proceed, often in a formal or official sense. Can also be used informally to indicate that something is allowed or accepted.

• move forward with a plan or project
  To signal or indicate that it is time to move forward with a plan or project, often after receiving authorization or approval. Can also be used informally to express readiness or enthusiasm for starting something.

Examples of Give the green light

• The director finally gave the green light to the movie project after months of deliberation.

  This idiom is used when someone gives permission or approval for a project or idea to move forward. The "green light" is a figurative term that comes from the traffic signal, where a green light means "go" or "move ahead." In this context, it signifies that the project has been given the go-ahead and can proceed.

• The company has been waiting for the government to give the green light on the new tax reform bill.

  Here, the idiom is used to describe a situation where a company is waiting for official approval or permission from the government to implement a new tax reform bill. Once the green light is given, the company can proceed with the new tax reform bill.

• The investor has been eagerly waiting for the CEO to give the green light on the merger deal.

  This idiom is used to describe a situation where an investor is waiting for the CEO to give approval for a merger deal. Once the green light is given, the merger can proceed.

• The athlete was given the green light to compete in the Olympics after recovering from a serious injury.

  Here, the idiom is used to describe a situation where an athlete has been given permission to compete in the Olympics after recovering from a serious injury. Once the green light is given, the athlete can proceed with training and competing in the Olympics.

• The scientist has been working on the project for years and is now waiting for the funding agency to give the green light for further research.

  This idiom is used to describe a situation where a scientist has been working on a project for a long time and is now waiting for a funding agency to approve further research. Once the green light is given, the scientist can proceed with the research.

Conclusion

This idiom is most commonly used to indicate official approval or authorization for something. It can also be used more informally to express enthusiasm or readiness to proceed with a plan or project. In both cases, the phrase "give the green light" suggests that something is now allowed or accepted to happen.

Origin of "Give the green light"

The origin of this idiom can be traced back to the use of traffic lights, specifically the color green. In many countries, green is used to signal that it is safe to proceed or move forward, while red indicates that one should stop. This use of colors to indicate action or inaction has since been applied to various situations, including giving permission or authorization for something to happen.

The phrase "give the green light" is believed to have originated in the early 20th century, and was first recorded in a 1914 issue of the magazine "The American Architect and Building News". It was used in the context of construction plans being approved and given the go-ahead, similar to how a green light allows vehicles to proceed. Over time, the phrase has become more widely used in various contexts, including business, politics, and everyday conversations.