# amber gambler

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/amber-gambler
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

A driver of a road vehicle who accelerates when the traffic lights change from green to amber (instead of stopping, as required by law), gambling that no vehicle will cross his or her path; a driver who starts off when the traffic lights show red and amber together, but not yet green.

## Examples

- The amber gambler sped through the intersection just before the light turned red.
- The police officer pulls over an amber gambler near the busy shopping center.
- An amber gambler often causes accidents by starting their car before the light is green.
- You should always wait for the light to turn green, as an amber gambler might try to rush through the crossing.
- My neighbor is a total amber gambler who always floors it the moment the light turns yellow to avoid waiting another three minutes.
- I feel nervous whenever I see an amber gambler racing to beat the light while children are waiting to cross the street.
- Despite the heavy rain and poor visibility, the reckless amber gambler accelerated aggressively, narrowly avoiding a collision with a pedestrian.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.