ENGLISH
REFERENCE

make a light

idiom
Meaning

When driving, to pass a traffic light before it changes to a color that prohibits passage.


Examples
SIMPLE

You need to speed up to make the light.

CONTEXTUAL

I tried to make the light, but it turned red just as I reached the intersection.

COMPLEX

He accelerated quickly, hoping to make the light before the signal changed, but he was forced to brake abruptly when the yellow turned to red.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    absence makes the heart grow fonder

    One feels more love or affection for those one loves when parted from them.

  2. 02

    amber light

    Hesitance to proceed; limited approval or permission to proceed.

  3. 03

    bright lights

    The glamour and glitz of a place, especially a big city.

  4. 04

    bring to light

    To expose, disclose or reveal something that was hidden or unknown.

  5. 05

    cannot make it

    Cannot reach satisfactory or expected standards or do something competently; describes someone in a hopeless situation.

  6. 06

    come to light

    To become known; to be revealed.

  7. 07

    doctors make the worst patients

    It is difficult to advise people on subjects that they are experts on.

  8. 08

    enough to make a cat laugh

    Very outlandish or outrageous.

Last updated April 17, 2026