Wordxplr

The meaning and origin of interesting English phrases

Good to go

Meaning

To be completely ready, prepared, or approved for an activity, task, or departure.

Origin

Imagine the controlled chaos of a military base or a bustling airport tarmac in the mid-20th century. Every piece of equipment, every soldier, every flight plan had to be perfectly aligned for an operation to succeed. "Good to go" emerged from this highly organized world, a crisp, unambiguous signal that all checks were complete, all conditions met, and the unit or individual was fully prepared for immediate deployment or action. It was the verbal equivalent of a green light, a no-nonsense declaration that everything was in order, clearing the way for swift and decisive movement, a testament to efficiency born from necessity.

Examples

  • The team has finished all the preparations for the launch, so we are good to go.
  • Once the mechanic tightens that last bolt, your car will be good to go for the road trip.
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