What it means
The official yes that lets something start, borrowed from the traffic signal that means go. When a plan gets the green light, the waiting is over and everyone can crack on with it.
Usage examples
"The film finally got the green light after years stuck in development, cameras roll in the spring."
"The board finally gave the project the green light after months of waiting."
"Once we get the green light from legal, we can launch on Monday."
Where it comes from
Straight from the traffic signal, where green means go. To give something the green light is to grant the official go-ahead, ending the wait so everyone can finally move forward.
Other ways to say it
Editors of this term
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