Signification
Having permission to proceed.
Contexte culturel
In Czechia, 'zelená vlna' (green wave) is also the name of a very famous radio traffic report on Radiožurnál. Every driver knows it. The transition from red to green in Central Europe often includes a brief moment where both red and orange are lit, signaling 'get ready'. But 'mít zelenou' only refers to the final 'go' state. Czech business culture can be hierarchical. 'Dostat zelenou' is a significant milestone in any corporate project. Asking for 'zelenou' from a spouse is a common trope in Czech humor, reflecting a culture where family consultation is standard.
The 'OU' ending
Whenever you see an idiom with a color ending in '-ou', it's usually feminine accusative. This is a common pattern in Czech idioms.
Don't use 'světlo'
While 'zelené světlo' is correct, native speakers almost always drop the word 'světlo' in the idiom. Just say 'mít zelenou'.
Signification
Having permission to proceed.
The 'OU' ending
Whenever you see an idiom with a color ending in '-ou', it's usually feminine accusative. This is a common pattern in Czech idioms.
Don't use 'světlo'
While 'zelené světlo' is correct, native speakers almost always drop the word 'světlo' in the idiom. Just say 'mít zelenou'.
Use with 'u'
To say who gave the permission, use 'u' + genitive: 'Mám zelenou u šéfa' (I have the green light with/at the boss).
Radio context
If you hear 'Zelená vlna' on the radio, pay attention! It means there is important traffic news.
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct form of the idiom.
Na křižovatce už ____ zelenou.
We use the verb 'mít' (to have) with this idiom.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Checking for permission:
The idiom requires the feminine accusative 'zelenou'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Můžu začít pracovat na tom úkolu? B: Ano, ____.
'Máš zelenou' means 'Yes, you have permission'.
Match the situation to the meaning.
Šéf mi dal zelenou.
In a work context, it means approval.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Mít Zelenou vs. Být Zelený
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesNa křižovatce už ____ zelenou.
We use the verb 'mít' (to have) with this idiom.
Checking for permission:
The idiom requires the feminine accusative 'zelenou'.
A: Můžu začít pracovat na tom úkolu? B: Ano, ____.
'Máš zelenou' means 'Yes, you have permission'.
Šéf mi dal zelenou.
In a work context, it means approval.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
12 questionsIt is neutral. You can use it in a business report or with your best friend.
No, that is grammatically incorrect for this idiom. It must be 'zelenou'.
No, it is used for any kind of permission or approval.
The opposite is 'mít červenou' (to have a red light) or 'mít stopku'.
Yes! 'Mít u někoho zelenou' means that person is interested in you.
Both are correct. 'Mít' is the state, 'Dostat' is the action of receiving it.
Because it's in the accusative case, following the verb 'mít'.
Yes, for example, in Polish it is 'mieć zielone światło'.
Not really. For green energy, we use 'zelená energie', not this idiom.
You say 'Skočila tam zelená'.
Yes, that means 'She gave me the green light'.
Use 'Obdržel jsem souhlas' (I received consent).
Expressions liées
Dostat zelenou
similarTo receive the green light.
Mít červenou
contrastTo have a red light.
Zelená vlna
builds onGreen wave.
Mít stopku
contrastTo have a stop sign.
Dát někomu košem
contrastTo give someone a basket.
