given the green light

Related

approvedOfficially accepted or permitted
authorizedGiven official permission
go-aheadPermission to begin
greenlitApproved for production
permissionGranted right to act

clearance · thumbs-up · sanctioned · blessing · proceed · launch · kickoff · okay · signal · nod · endorsed · unleashed · released · activated · runway · open-door · fast-tracked · commissioned

Opposites

approval/permission

given the green lightrejected

Refused or turned away

denied · refused · vetoed · turned down · shot down

progress/momentum

given the green lightstopped

Brought to a halt

halted · put on hold · shelved · killed · scrapped

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