green light

noun

: authority or permission to proceed

green-light

ˈgrēn-ˌlīt 

transitive verb

Synonyms of green light

• permission
• authorization
• consent
• granting
• sanction
• permit

Examples of green light in a Sentence

we were given the green light to use the town commons for our fund-raiser

Recent Examples on the Web

At first, prosecutors had a green light to pursue a prosecution of the corporation. — Sarah N. Lynch, CBS News, 10 Nov. 2026

Despite having a finished screenplay, securing a green light proved elusive. — Simon Bland, IndieWire, 9 Nov. 2026

The project has a head start for already having a power connection, but still requires a green light to begin construction, an anchor tenant, and government approvals, Global SWF noted. — Kelsey Warner, semafor.com, 6 Nov. 2026

The Chicago Bulls rookie didn’t need much space — a single step, a half-second of clearance from his defender — to see a bright green light. — Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 30 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

from the green traffic light which signals permission to proceed

First Known Use

1937, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for green light

• affright
• airtight
• albite
• alight
• alright
• aplite
• aright
• bainite
• birthright
• bobwhite
• bornite
• bullfight