go-ahead

[ goh-uh-hed ]

noun

1. Usually the go-ahead. permission or a signal to proceed:

   They got the go-ahead on the construction work.

2. Usually the go-ahead. Baseball. go-ahead run:

   With two outs, and the go-ahead on first, Hoffman winds up and delivers the pitch.

3. Chiefly Hawaii and California. a sandal held on the foot by a strap between the big toe and the next toe.

adjective

1. moving forward; advancing.
2. enterprising:

   a go-ahead Yankee peddler.

go ahead

verb

1. intr, adverb to start or continue, often after obtaining permission

noun

1. the go-ahead informal.
   permission to proceed

adjective

1. enterprising or ambitious

Word History and Origins

Origin of go-ahead¹

An Americanism first recorded in 1830–40; noun and adjective use of verb phrase go ahead

Example Sentences

I’m going to go ahead and put this out there: How about you and Ariana hosting the Oscars?

From Los Angeles Times

If he goes ahead and introduces tariffs - a tax imposed by one country on the goods and services imported from another - it could lead to a rise in prices, including in the UK, economists say.

From BBC

If the case goes ahead, it would likely end up in court next year.

From BBC

Leno was later treated for his injuries upon returning to Los Angeles, where he also went ahead with a Saturday show at the Yaamava’ Theater near San Bernardino.

From Los Angeles Times

Despite these setbacks, India’s tour went ahead, though a weakened India faced Australia without four of its leading players and lost the series 4-0.

From BBC

Related Words

• begin
• continue
• go on