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

If the judge, Lord Ericht, agrees, Sir Keir Starmer's Labour government may end up with the final say on whether or not drilling should go ahead.

From BBC

If Parliament chooses to go ahead with assisted dying, it is making a choice that this is an area to prioritise for investment.

From BBC

But if a lockdown was an hour or longer, Chait said, “that would be a situation where we would tell our folks, ‘Yes, go ahead and gives kids access to their phones.’”

From Los Angeles Times

The Princess of Wales's annual Christmas carol service is to go ahead this year and will celebrate people from "all over the UK who have shown love, kindness and empathy" to those in need of support.

From BBC

Its role is not to decide whether big infrastructure projects go ahead, but to consult on the plans and ensure that damage to nature is avoided where possible, or compensated for if not.

From BBC

Related Words

• begin
• continue
• go on