no go

A project can become a no go if the budget is too small.

Definition

1. Noun:

   • A situation that is impossible or futile: "no go" refers to a condition or state in which progress is impossible or an attempt is unsuccessful.
   • A dead end or impasse: It indicates a scenario with no viable path forward or solution.

2. Adjective (used attributively):

   • Not permissible or not working: Describing something that is forbidden, ineffective, or unfeasible.
   • Unacceptable or invalid: Used to denote that a plan, idea, or action is not allowed or will not succeed.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • The project was a no go from the start, due to lack of funding. (The project was impossible to proceed with from the beginning.)
  • They tried to negotiate, but it was a no go — both sides refused to compromise. (The negotiation reached a dead end.)

• Adjective:

  • The plan is no go; we need a new strategy. (The plan is not feasible or permissible.)
  • That area is a no go zone for unauthorized personnel. (That area is forbidden or inaccessible.)

Advanced Usage

• "It's no go": An informal phrase meaning that something is impossible or will not happen.

  • We tried to fix the car, but it's no go — the engine is completely ruined. (The repair attempt is futile.)

• "No go area": A region or place that is dangerous or restricted, often used in military or urban contexts.

  • The neighborhood became a no go area after dark due to high crime rates. (The area is unsafe or off-limits.)

Variants and Related Words

• No-go (adj): used before a noun to describe something that is not allowed or not working.

  • The no-go decision disappointed the team. (The decision that it was impossible disappointed them.)

• Go (n): permission or success (as in "a go" meaning approval or a functioning state).

  • The project got the go ahead. (The project received permission to proceed.)

Synonyms

• Impossible: not able to occur or be done.
• Futile: incapable of producing any useful result; pointless.
• Forbidden: not allowed; prohibited.
• Dead end: a situation with no hope of progress.

Related Idioms

• "No dice": an informal phrase meaning that something is not possible or has been refused.

  • I asked for a raise, but it was no dice. (The request was denied.)

• "No way": an exclamation indicating that something is impossible or unacceptable.

  • No way will I agree to that plan. (I will not accept that plan under any circumstances.)