# make a light

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/make-a-light
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

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

## Examples

- You need to speed up to make the light.
- I tried to make the light, but it turned red just as I reached the intersection.
- 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.

---

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.