Top 40 Slang For Allowing – Meaning & Usage

When it comes to expressing permission or granting access, there’s a whole array of slang terms for allowing that can add a fun twist to your conversations. From casual to more formal contexts, we’ve got you covered with a list that will make you sound effortlessly cool and in-the-know. Stay tuned to upgrade your vocab game and start incorporating these trendy expressions into your daily chatter!

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1. Signing off on

This phrase is often used in a professional or official context to indicate giving approval or permission for something. It implies that a higher authority has reviewed and agreed to a decision or action.

For example, a manager might say, “I’ll need to sign off on that project before it can proceed.”
In a meeting, someone might ask, “Has the CEO signed off on the budget proposal?”
A supervisor might tell their team, “Make sure to get my signature before finalizing any contracts.”

2. Greenlighting

This term is used to describe the act of granting permission or approval for a project, idea, or action to proceed. It often implies that someone in a position of authority has given the “green light” for something to happen.

For instance, a producer might say, “I’m greenlighting this script for production.”
In a business context, a manager might announce, “We are greenlighting the new marketing campaign.”
A team leader might ask, “Has the client greenlighted our proposal?”

3. Rubber stamping

This phrase is used to describe the act of giving approval or authorization without thoroughly reviewing or questioning the decision. It suggests that the approval process is merely a formality and lacks critical evaluation.

For example, someone might say, “The committee is just rubber stamping these proposals without really looking at them.”
In a bureaucratic setting, a frustrated employee might comment, “It feels like everything we do here is just rubber stamping.”
A critic might accuse a government agency of “rubber stamping” permits without considering environmental impacts.

4. Giving the okay

This phrase is a casual way of expressing permission or approval for something. It implies that someone has been given the authority to make a decision and has given their consent.

For instance, a parent might say to their child, “I’m giving you the okay to go to your friend’s house.”
In a workplace, a supervisor might say, “I’m giving the okay for everyone to leave early today.”
A team member might ask their manager, “Can you give the okay for me to take a vacation next month?”

5. Giving the thumbs-up

This phrase is used to indicate positive feedback or agreement with a decision, action, or idea. It is often used in informal settings to show support or endorsement.

For example, a friend might say, “I gave the thumbs-up to your party invitation.”
In a meeting, someone might give the thumbs-up to a proposal they agree with.
A team member might ask for a thumbs-up from their colleagues before proceeding with a plan.

6. Giving the seal of approval

This phrase is used to indicate that someone is giving their approval or endorsement to something. It implies that the person has reviewed or evaluated the thing in question and has deemed it acceptable or worthy.

For example, a boss might say, “I’m giving this project the seal of approval. Let’s move forward with it.”
A parent might say, “I’m giving my daughter’s new boyfriend the seal of approval. He seems like a good guy.”
A teacher might announce, “I’m giving your essays the seal of approval. Well done, class!”

7. Giving the all-clear

This phrase is used to indicate that someone is giving permission or signaling that a situation is safe or clear. It is often used in contexts where there may be potential danger or uncertainty and someone is giving the go-ahead.

For instance, a security guard might say, “I’m giving the all-clear. You can proceed.”
A doctor might say, “I’m giving you the all-clear to resume normal activities.”
A supervisor might say, “I’m giving the all-clear for everyone to leave early today.”

8. Giving the blessing

This phrase is used to indicate that someone is giving their approval or support to a decision, action, or relationship. It often implies that the person has authority or influence over the matter at hand.

For example, a parent might say, “I’m giving my blessing for you to marry my daughter.”
A boss might say, “I’m giving my blessing to move forward with the new project.”
A mentor might say, “I’m giving my blessing for you to pursue your dreams.”

9. Giving the green flag

This phrase is used to indicate that someone is giving permission or approval for something to proceed. It is often used in contexts where there may be a specific process or set of steps that need to be followed.

For instance, a race official might say, “I’m giving the green flag. The race can begin.”
A teacher might say, “I’m giving the green flag for you to start your project.”
A judge might say, “I’m giving the green flag for the trial to proceed.”

10. Giving the nod of approval

This phrase is used to indicate that someone is expressing their approval or agreement with something. It often involves a subtle gesture or signal, such as a nod of the head, to convey the message.

For example, a boss might give an employee the nod of approval after a successful presentation.
A friend might give the nod of approval to a new outfit.
A coach might give a player the nod of approval for a job well done.

11. Let it slide

This phrase means to choose not to take action or hold someone accountable for something. It suggests allowing a mistake or wrongdoing to go unpunished or unaddressed.

For example, if someone accidentally spills a drink at a party, you might say, “Don’t worry about it, I’ll let it slide.”
In a work setting, a supervisor might say, “I’ll let it slide this time, but be more careful in the future.”
If someone forgets to return a borrowed item, you might say, “I’ll let it slide this time, but please remember next time.”

12. Give the go-ahead

This phrase means to give permission or approval for something to proceed. It suggests allowing a specific action or decision to take place.

For instance, if someone asks for your approval to start a project, you might say, “I’ll give you the go-ahead.”
In a business context, a manager might say, “We have the green light to move forward with the new marketing campaign.”
If someone wants to book a vacation, they might ask, “Can you give me the go-ahead to book the flights?”

13. Rubber stamp

This term refers to giving automatic approval or endorsement to something without careful consideration or evaluation. It implies a lack of critical examination or scrutiny.

For example, if a supervisor always approves every request without reviewing the details, you might say, “He just rubber stamps everything.”
In a political context, someone might criticize a government’s actions by saying, “They’re just rubber-stamping policies without considering the consequences.”
If a committee quickly approves a proposal without thorough discussion, it might be accused of rubber-stamping.

14. Say the word

This phrase means to give someone permission or authorization to do something. It suggests that all they need to do is ask or give a signal, and the permission will be granted.

For instance, if someone wants to borrow your car, you might say, “Just say the word and it’s yours.”
In a team setting, a leader might say, “If you need any additional resources, just say the word and we’ll make it happen.”
If someone is hesitant to take action, you might encourage them by saying, “You have my full support, just say the word.”

15. Give the green light

This phrase means to give authorization or approval for something to proceed. It implies giving the signal or permission to start or continue with a specific action or plan.

For example, if a project is ready to begin, a manager might say, “I’ll give the green light.”
In a construction context, an architect might give the green light to start building after reviewing the plans.
If someone is waiting for approval to move forward with a decision, you might say, “Once we get the green light, we can proceed.”

16. Give the thumbs up

To give approval or permission for something to happen. “Give the thumbs up” is a gesture where the thumb is extended upward to indicate agreement or permission.

For example, a boss might say, “I’ll give the thumbs up for the project to proceed.”
A parent might give the thumbs up to their child’s request to go to a friend’s house.
In a group decision, someone might say, “If everyone gives the thumbs up, we’ll move forward.”

17. Say yes

To express agreement or consent to something. “Say yes” is a straightforward way to indicate approval or permission.

For instance, someone might ask, “Can I borrow your car?” and the owner could say, “Sure, say yes.”
In a meeting, a participant might say, “I say yes to the proposed changes.”
A teacher might ask the class, “Who says yes to having a movie day?”, and the students can respond.

18. Give the okay

To give permission or approval for something to happen. “Give the okay” means to indicate that something is acceptable or allowed.

For example, a manager might say, “I’ll give the okay for the team to take a longer lunch break.”
A parent might give the okay for their child to attend a sleepover.
In a business setting, a supervisor might say, “I need to give the okay before you can proceed with that purchase.”

19. Give the all-clear

To indicate that a situation is safe or free from danger, allowing something to proceed. “Give the all-clear” means to give permission for an action to take place.

For instance, in a construction site, a supervisor might say, “Give the all-clear for the crane to start moving.”
A doctor might give the all-clear for a patient to resume normal activities after surgery.
In a military operation, a commander might say, “Once we receive the all-clear, we can proceed with the mission.”

20. Give the go signal

To give permission or authorization for something to begin or proceed. “Give the go signal” means to indicate that it is time to start or move forward with a plan or action.

For example, a coach might say, “I’ll give the go signal for the team to start the game.”
A supervisor might give the go signal for a project to begin.
In a race, the starter gives the go signal by raising a flag or saying “Go!”

21. Give the nod of approval

This phrase means to show or signal approval of something. It can be done through a nod of the head or any other gesture that conveys agreement or acceptance.

For example, “After reviewing the proposal, the boss gave the nod of approval.”
In a group discussion, someone might say, “If everyone agrees, let’s give it the nod of approval.”
A parent might give the nod of approval to their child’s choice of college.

22. Give the seal of approval

This phrase means to officially or formally indicate approval or acceptance of something. It implies that someone has examined or evaluated the thing in question and found it to be satisfactory or worthy.

For instance, “The committee gave the seal of approval to the new policy.”
A movie critic might write, “I watched the film and can confidently give it my seal of approval.”
A teacher might give a project the seal of approval after reviewing it.

23. Give the green flag

This phrase means to allow or permit something to proceed. It is often used in the context of giving permission or authorization for an action or event to take place.

For example, “The race can begin once the officials give the green flag.”
In a business setting, a manager might say, “We can move forward with the project once we receive the green flag from the higher-ups.”
A parent might give their child the green flag to go to a party.

24. Give the thumbs-up signal

This phrase refers to using a thumbs-up gesture to indicate agreement, approval, or permission. It is a simple and informal way of showing support or acceptance.

For instance, “I asked my friend if he wanted to join me for lunch, and he gave me the thumbs-up signal.”
In a group decision-making process, someone might give the thumbs-up signal to indicate their agreement with a proposal.
A coach might give their team the thumbs-up signal to start the game.

25. Give the O.K.

This phrase means to give permission or approval for something. It is often used in informal or casual situations to signify agreement or acceptance.

For example, “The boss gave the O.K. for us to take a longer lunch break.”
In a meeting, someone might say, “Let’s move forward with the project if everyone gives the O.K.”
A teacher might give a student the O.K. to leave early if they have completed their work.

26. Give the word

This phrase means to give permission or approval for something to happen. It is often used in informal or casual settings.

For example, a parent might say to their child, “I’ll give you the word to stay up late tonight.”
In a group project, a team leader might say, “Once we finish our research, I’ll give the word to start writing the report.”
A friend might ask, “Do you think your boss will give the word for us to leave early today?”

27. Give the blessing

To give the blessing means to give approval or permission for something to happen. It is often used in a religious or spiritual context, but can also be used in a general sense.

For instance, a parent might say to their child, “I give you my blessing to marry this person.”
In a business setting, a supervisor might say, “I give my blessing for this project to move forward.”
A friend might ask, “Does your partner’s family give their blessing for your relationship?”

28. Give the green signal

To give the green signal means to authorize or approve something. The phrase is often used in a metaphorical sense, comparing the act of giving permission to a traffic signal turning green.

For example, a manager might say, “I’ll give the green signal for the new marketing campaign to launch.”
In a sports context, a coach might say, “Once the player is fully recovered, I’ll give the green signal for them to return to the game.”
A teacher might announce, “I’ll give the green signal for you to start working on your projects.”

29. Give the green card

To give the green card means to grant permission or approval for something to happen. The phrase is derived from the green card, which is an identification card given to non-U.S. citizens who are legally authorized to live and work in the United States.

For instance, a supervisor might say, “I’ll give the green card for you to take a vacation next week.”
In a social setting, a host might say, “I give the green card for everyone to start eating.”
A teacher might announce, “I’ll give the green card for you to use your notes during the exam.”

30. Give the green light to go

To give the green light to go means to give permission or approval for something to proceed or happen. The phrase is often used metaphorically, comparing the act of giving permission to a traffic light turning green.

For example, a manager might say, “I’ll give the green light to go on the new project.”
In a military context, a commander might say, “I give the green light to go on the mission.”
A parent might say to their child, “Once you finish your homework, I’ll give the green light for you to play video games.”

31. Clear

To give permission or approval for something to proceed. The term “clear” is often used to indicate that a certain action or decision is permitted.

For instance, a supervisor might say, “You’re clear to start the project.”
In a military context, a commanding officer might give the order, “Clear the area for landing.”
A teacher might say to a student, “You’re clear to leave the classroom.”

32. Wave through

To allow someone or something to pass through without hindrance or delay. The phrase “wave through” is often used to describe the act of permitting someone to proceed.

For example, a security guard might wave through a car at a checkpoint.
In a crowded area, a person might say, “Just wave me through if you see me.”
A supervisor might instruct an employee, “If there are no issues, wave the shipment through.”

33. Permit

To grant authorization or give permission for something to happen. The term “permit” is often used to indicate that a certain action or behavior is allowed.

For instance, a sign might say, “No smoking permitted in this area.”
A parent might say to their child, “I’ll permit you to go to the party if you finish your homework.”
A bouncer at a club might check IDs and say, “You’re permitted to enter.”

34. Sanction

To officially approve or authorize an action or behavior. The term “sanction” is often used to describe the act of giving permission or allowing something to take place.

For example, a government might sanction a new law.
In a sports context, a referee might sanction a player for a foul.
A teacher might say to a student, “I cannot sanction cheating.”

35. Give the thumbs-up

To express approval or give permission for something to happen. The phrase “give the thumbs-up” is often used to indicate that a certain action or decision is allowed.

For instance, a manager might give the thumbs-up to a proposed project.
In a group setting, someone might say, “Let’s give the thumbs-up to this idea.”
A parent might give the thumbs-up to their child’s request to go to a friend’s house.

36. Let pass

This slang phrase means to allow something to happen without interfering or stopping it.

For example, “I decided to let pass his rude comment and not respond.”
A teacher might say, “I’ll let pass the late submission this time, but don’t make it a habit.”
In a conversation about rules, someone might argue, “We should let pass minor infractions and focus on the bigger issues.”

37. Say the go

This slang phrase means to give permission or approval for something to happen.

For instance, “The boss said the go for the new project.”
A parent might say, “I’ll say the go for you to go to the party, but be back home by midnight.”
In a discussion about plans, someone might ask, “Did they say the go for the event?”

38. Let it go

This slang phrase means to allow something to be forgotten or ignored without dwelling on it or holding onto it.

For example, “He made a mistake, but I decided to let it go and move on.”
A friend might advise, “Just let it go and don’t let it ruin your day.”
In a discussion about grudges, someone might say, “It’s best to let it go and focus on the present.”

39. Give the stamp of approval

This slang phrase means to officially approve or authorize something, often with a sense of endorsement or validation.

For instance, “The committee gave the stamp of approval to the new policy.”
A reviewer might say, “I can confidently give this product the stamp of approval.”
In a conversation about promotions, someone might comment, “I hope my boss gives me the stamp of approval for the new position.”

40. Say the go-ahead

This slang phrase means to give permission or authorization to proceed with a plan or action.

For example, “The manager said the go-ahead for the project to begin.”
A coach might say, “I’ll say the go-ahead for the team to execute the play.”
In a discussion about decision-making, someone might ask, “Did they say the go-ahead for the proposal?”