give (one) the green light

give (one) the green light

To grant someone permission to proceed with some action or task. Likened to the green light of a traffic signal. We're just waiting our manager to give us the green light before we release the latest software update.
See also: give, green, light
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

give someone/something the green light

or

give the green light to someone/something

COMMON If someone in authority gives someone or something the green light or gives the green light to someone or something, they allow someone to do something or something to happen. He has finally been given the green light to build five new houses on the land. Note: You can also say that someone gets the green light. I've got a bunch more songs, and if I can get the green light from my manager, I'd like to go straight back in and record some more. Note: People use a green light to mean permission from someone in authority. Is that a green light for interest-rate cuts?
See also: give, green, light, someone, something
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.
See also:
  • shine through
  • the bloom is off the rose
  • the bloom is off
  • break a sweat
  • break sweat
  • the blush is off the rose
  • beat the stuffing out of (someone)
  • idiot
  • babbling idiot
  • a change of tack