the green light
noun
: permission to start or continue something (such as a project)
His boss finally gave him the green light to start the new project.
Examples of the green light in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
On-site marijuana consumption has received the green light in the Bay State, allowing hospitality businesses to offer cannabis to consumers.
—
Ashley J. Dimella, FOXNews.com, 10 Jan. 2026
The spurious designation of Qassem Soleimani as a global terrorist, something long requested by Benjamin Netanyahu, gave the green light for the expansion of the designation to other entities long held off from the moniker out of fear of its implications.
—Séamus Malekafzali, Washington Post, 8 Jan. 2026
There is interest from Roma in him this window, as reported by The Athletic, and the Netherlands international was hoping that when other first-team stars return from AFCON, his move to Italy could be given the green light.
—Chris McKenna, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2026
Stop waiting for someone to give you the green light.
—Fortesa Latifi, Rolling Stone, 6 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for the green light
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Ashley J. Dimella, FOXNews.com, 10 Jan. 2026
The spurious designation of Qassem Soleimani as a global terrorist, something long requested by Benjamin Netanyahu, gave the green light for the expansion of the designation to other entities long held off from the moniker out of fear of its implications.
—Séamus Malekafzali, Washington Post, 8 Jan. 2026
There is interest from Roma in him this window, as reported by The Athletic, and the Netherlands international was hoping that when other first-team stars return from AFCON, his move to Italy could be given the green light.
—Chris McKenna, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2026
Stop waiting for someone to give you the green light.
—Fortesa Latifi, Rolling Stone, 6 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for the green light
Cite this Entry
“The green light.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20green%20light. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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