Grammar fix
give the green light
approve an action
To approve a plan or project so that people can begin it.
How oftenCommon
LevelB2
Used inSpeech & writing
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
The council has given the green light to build a new sports centre.
My parents gave me the green light to study abroad after I showed them a clear budget and a plan for finding accommodation.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
Not: The board gave us the green signal to continue.
Say: The board gave us the green light to continue.
'Green signal' is Indian English; in UK and US English it's always 'green light'.
Don't confuse it
Other ways to say it
Officially allow a plan to start
How formalConversationalExplicit
give the go-aheadPlain, everyday work talk: the person in charge says yes so you can start. Often 'get the go-ahead'. Same meaning as 'give the green light', which sounds a bit more vivid and is a favourite in news headlines.
give the green lightYou're here · Approving a plan or project so it can go ahead. Slightly more vivid than 'give the go-ahead', and very common in news: 'Council gives green light to new stadium'.
give permissionExplicitly allowing someone to do something.