get the green light
To receive permission to proceed with some action or task. Likened to the green light of a traffic signal. We're just waiting to get the green light from our managers before we release the latest software update. Once I get the green light, I'll transfer your funds into the new account. Don't worry, I got the green light from the boss to call that guy back.
give (one) the green light
To grant someone permission to proceed with some action or task. Likened to the green light of a traffic signal. We're just waiting our manager to give us the green light before we release the latest software update. Once Finance gives me the green light, I'll transfer your funds into the new account. Don't worry, the boss gave me the green light to call that guy back
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
green light, get/give the
Permission to proceed. The term alludes to the green of traffic lights, signifying “go ahead,” which began to be used on railroads in the nineteenth century. Terence Rattigan in his play French without Tears (1937) wrote, “We had a bottle of wine and got pretty gay, and all the time she was giving me the old green light” (3.1).
The Dictionary of Clichés by Christine Ammer Copyright © 2013 by Christine Ammer