no-go
B2Informal, journalistic
Definition
Meaning
An area or situation that is prohibited, inaccessible, or too dangerous to enter or engage with.
An issue, topic, or activity that is unacceptable, forbidden, or impossible to undertake. Can also refer to a decision, result, or state of being that is definitively negative or not proceeding.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily used as an attributive adjective (a no-go area) or a noun (it was declared a no-go). The hyphenated form is standard for the compound adjective/noun.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
More prevalent in UK usage, especially in political/journalistic contexts (e.g., 'no-go area'). In the US, the term is understood and used but less frequent; alternatives like 'off-limits' are more common. The NASA 'no-go' protocol is a notable American technical use.
Connotations
In the UK, strongly associated with urban unrest, territorial control (e.g., by paramilitaries), or politically sensitive zones. In the US, may more often relate to policy, personal boundaries, or project management decisions.
Frequency
Medium frequency in UK media/political discourse; low-to-medium in general US English.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
It is a no-go area for police.That idea is a complete no-go.The mission control gave a no-go.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “It's a no-go. (final negative decision)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
"Merging the departments is a no-go without board approval."
Academic
"That line of research was considered a methodological no-go."
Everyday
"That part of town is a no-go after dark."
Technical
"Launch sequence aborted due to a no-go from the propulsion team."
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
American English
- Mission Control will no-go the launch if weather deteriorates. (Specialised/NASA use)
adjective
British English
- The estate became a no-go zone for outsiders.
American English
- Bringing up politics is a no-go topic at family dinners.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- This playground is no-go for dogs.
- The manager said the budget increase was a no-go.
- After the riots, several neighbourhoods were effectively no-go areas for weeks.
- The diplomat's past comments made him a no-go for the sensitive negotiations.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a sign with 'NO' and a walking figure 'GO' crossed out, blocking entry to a dangerous street.
Conceptual Metaphor
SPACE/AREA IS A POSSIBILITY (blocked area = blocked possibility).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating literally as 'не иди' or 'нет иди'. It is an established compound, not a phrase.
- Do not confuse with 'no way' (никак нет, ни за что), which expresses refusal, not prohibition of entry.
Common Mistakes
- Writing as two separate words (*no go) in its adjectival/nominal form. Hyphen is required.
- Using it as a verb (*We no-goed that plan.) – it is not standard as a verb in most contexts.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'no-go' LEAST likely to be used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is informal to neutral. While common in journalism, it is generally avoided in the most formal legal or academic writing.
Rarely and only in very specific contexts (e.g., NASA mission control: 'We no-go the launch'). In everyday use, it functions almost exclusively as a noun or adjective.
They are often synonyms. 'No-go' can imply a stronger sense of danger or active enforcement of the prohibition, while 'off-limits' can be more administrative or rule-based.
Yes, when using it as a compound adjective or noun (a no-go area, it's a no-go). The hyphen is standard and clarifies it is a single concept.
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