My boss gave the red light to my new project idea.
red light
idiomA denial to proceed a ruling out of any possibility.
We were ready to start the renovation, but the city council gave us the red light due to zoning laws.
Despite the team's exhaustive preparations and optimistic projections, the board of directors ultimately gave the red light to the proposed merger.
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amber light
Hesitance to proceed; limited approval or permission to proceed.
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bleed red ink
To suffer from severe net losses.
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bright lights
The glamour and glitz of a place, especially a big city.
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bring to light
To expose, disclose or reveal something that was hidden or unknown.
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clap one's hands red
To clap or applaud intensely.
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come to light
To become known; to be revealed.
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cut red tape
To reduce bureaucracy.
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false light
A point of view resulting in a misleading or inaccurate representation of a person, situation, or fact.
Last updated April 17, 2026