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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The only thing missing is the green light. Harry Bubbins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Apr. 2026 After staff at Methodist Transplant Institute gave them the green light, everything worked out just fine. Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 29 Apr. 2026 Gonzalez might as well have been given the green light at this point. Austin Perry Outkick, FOXNews.com, 29 Apr. 2026 The merger got the green light from regulators shortly after the announcement. Lillian Rizzo, CNBC, 28 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for the green light

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“The green light.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20green%20light. Accessed 1 May. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster