green flag

What does green flag mean?

Green flag refers to a positive or welcoming sign or signal, or something that indicates or draws attention.

Examples of green flag

There’s a scene where Kelly Rowland, playing a TV executive with a long list of demands for her romantic partners, looks at a multi-page printout of her green flags. It’s full of unreasonable requirements, like having a 401K (in this economy), but also very reasonable demands, like well-groomed nose hair. Not ‘no’ nose hair. Apparently she likes nose hair. She just needs it well-groomed. Fair enough.
—William Bibbiani, The Wrap, 4 Feb. 2026

I wanted to thank you for hosting such a smart, nuanced and challenging conversation on these difficult issues. I personally felt called out to greater responsibility at some moments, which is a green flag indicator of an important dialogue.
—@anishinaapunk, BlueSky, 2 Dec. 2024

My green flags in a client: Respect, humility and generosity. I can always tell when someone is genuine. I don’t expect my clients to always be in a perfect mood. In fact, I hope I can brighten their day with a therapy sesh and fresh set.
—Tahvya Krok, quoted in The Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2022

Where does green flag come from?

Green flag represents the opposite of red flag, defined as “a warning signal or sign” as well as “something that indicates or draws attention to a problem, danger, or irregularity.” Red flag has been used with this definition since at least the mid-1700s. It’s unclear when the metaphorical sense of green flag arose, but the color green has long been used in literal signs and signals (including flags) to mean “go.”

How is green flag used?

Like red flag, green flag is used in all kinds of situations, but more recently has been used in the context of dating to refer to positive traits in a potential partner.