green flag

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العربية الفصحى
Arabic (Standard)
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हिन्दी
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/ˌɡrin ˈflæɡ/
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A visible sign that conditions are favorable and it is reasonable to proceed.
Practice using green flag in conversation until it feels natural

Examples

  • Without a green flag, no driver may enter the track.
  • The beach did not raise a green flag after the storm.
  • He seemed charming, but I had not seen enough green flags to trust him yet.
  • Families returned to the water when they saw the green flag.
  • Her willingness to apologize was a green flag for me.

Similar words

encouraging sign
positive sign
good sign
go signal
plus point
safe signal
start signal
all-clear

Meanings

Signal to start or proceed

motor racing
neutral
A green-colored flag used by an official to show that a race, vehicle, or other controlled activity may start or continue.

Examples

  • The marshal waved the green flag, and the race began.
  • We waited for the green flag before starting the engines.
  • Has the green flag been shown yet?
  • The train pulled away as soon as the guard raised the green flag.
  • Without a green flag, no driver may enter the track.

Similar words

start signal
go signal

Signal that danger is low

safety
neutral
A green-colored flag used at a beach or another managed place to indicate relatively safe conditions or a low level of danger, not a guarantee of complete safety.

Examples

  • A green flag was flying, but swimmers still watched the currents.
  • The beach did not raise a green flag after the storm.
  • Does a green flag mean the water is completely risk-free?
  • By noon, officials had replaced the warning flag with a green flag.
  • Families returned to the water when they saw the green flag.

Similar words

all-clear
safe signal

Positive or encouraging sign

relationships
informal
A trait, action, or circumstance that suggests a person, relationship, organization, or plan is healthy, trustworthy, desirable, or likely to succeed.

Examples

  • Her willingness to apologize was a green flag for me.
  • Is it a green flag when a company publishes its salary ranges?
  • I took their clear cancellation policy as a green flag.
  • He seemed charming, but I had not seen enough green flags to trust him yet.
  • Calling basic courtesy a green flag can reveal how low expectations have become.

Similar words

good sign
positive sign
encouraging sign
plus point

Etymology

The literal expression combines green, long associated with permission and movement in signaling systems, with flag. Its informal figurative sense developed as the positive counterpart of red flag, a warning sign, and became especially common in discussions of dating and relationships.

FAQ

What does green flag mean?

A green flag can literally permit movement or indicate low danger, and informally it means a positive or encouraging sign.

What is a green flag in a relationship?

A relationship green flag is a behavior or quality suggesting respect, trust, compatibility, or emotional health.

What does a green flag mean in motor racing?

In motor racing, a green flag signals that racing may start, resume, or continue under normal conditions.

Does a beach green flag mean there is no danger?

No. A beach green flag generally means low-hazard conditions, but swimmers must still follow local advice and use caution.

What is the opposite of a green flag?

A red flag is its usual opposite because it signals danger, a problem, or a reason to stop and reconsider.

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