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3. give the green light

give the green light

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give somebody/something the green light

also give the green light to somebody/something

to give permission for something to happen She's waiting for her doctor to give her the green light to play in Saturday's game.

Usage notes: also used in the form give a green light: The House of Representatives gave a green light to oil exploration off the East Coast.

See also: give, green, light

give somebody/something the green light

to give permission for someone to do something or for something to happen (often + to do sth) They've just been given the green light to build two new supermarkets in the region. (often + to ) The local prefect has given the green light to the dam at Serre de la Fare.

See also: give, green, light