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to jump the light
01
to ignore red traffic lights and move past them
What is the origin of the idiom "jump the light" and when to use it?
The idiom "jump the light" originated from the context of traffic signals and traffic laws. It is derived from the action of physically "jumping" or disregarding a traffic light, specifically when it changes from red to green. The phrase is used to describe situations where individuals or vehicles disregard the red signal at a traffic light and proceed through the intersection without stopping. It can be found in conversations about traffic accidents, traffic law enforcement, or discussions on the importance of obeying traffic signals.
Example
They will face severe consequences if they jump the light during their driving exam.
She promises never to jump the light again after her close call yesterday.
They always remind their teenage son not to jump the light while driving.
Yesterday, he jumped the light and narrowly avoided colliding with another car.
They got pulled over by the police after they jumped the light last week.
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