no go

no-go

1. noun Something that cannot or is not going to proceed or occur. I'm sorry, but it looks like the concert is a no-go.

2. adjective Negative; impossible; unsuitable. The budget cuts have left us in a no-go situation.

no go

Inf. negative; inopportune. (This is hyphenated before a nominal.) We're in a no-go situation. Is it go or no go?

See also: go, no

no go

not possible or practicable. informal

See also: go, no

no ˈgo

(informal) impossible; unsuccessful: I asked him if I could have an extra week’s leave, but it was no go. ♢ ‘Could you lend me your car this weekend, Mike?’ ‘No go, I’m afraid. I need it myself.’

See also: go, no

no go

(ˈno ˈgo)

mod. negative; inopportune. (This is hyphenated before a nominal.) We’re in a no-go situation.

See also: go, no

no go

A failure, not functioning, impossible. This seemingly very modern expression dates from the early 1800s. J. E. Lighter cites several examples of its use from the 1820s. A signal that one cannot proceed with some plan or object, it is now a cliché. The New Yorker had it on July 8, 1991, “There’s a blanket no-go . . . on new pilots.” See also no dice.

See also: go, no