Green-light
What it means
To approve a plan so work can begin.
Reach for it when describing formal approval that allows planned work to begin
The council will green-light the safer crossing next week.
Words to choose between 6
| playful | |
|---|---|
| everyday | |
| professional | |
| formal |
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playful
sign off on
Fits when the final approver accepts responsibility in workplace language
Careful Sign off on is conversational and can imply a documented review that never occurred.
-
everyday
permit
Fits when allowance matters more than enthusiasm or endorsement
Careful Permit does not show active support and may refer only to absence of prohibition.
-
professional
Fits when an authorized decision accepts the proposal
Careful Approve can endorse an idea without confirming that work may start immediately.
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professional
Fits when a review has removed a specific barrier to proceeding
Careful Clear may concern safety, finance, or background checks and can be ambiguous alone.
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formal
authorize
Fits when legal or institutional power permits the action
Careful Authorize is weightier than a manager's practical go-ahead.
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formal
sanction
Fits when official authority explicitly permits the action
Careful Sanction can also mean a penalty, so readers may misread the sentence.
Opposites 3
- block
- reject
- veto
Common phrases 3
-
green-light a project
The trustees will green-light the project after the safety review.
-
green-light production
The studio can green-light production once funding is secured.
-
green-light the plan
Inspectors refused to green-light the plan without a second exit.
Usage notes
Keep in mind
Green-light is informal in some institutional settings. Use the exact approval mechanism when legal authority matters.
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Updated