'all systems go'

Posted by Sauerkraut on July 21, 2000

In Reply to: 'all systems go' posted by Claudia on July 21, 2000

: Hello!
: I'm working on this schoolproject and wondering about the origins and true meaning of 'all systems go'.
: What does it mean literally, figurally etc.?
: Maybe a dumb question, but I'm dutch, so that's why!
: THank you so much

The phrase derives from the space program - it literally and figuratively means that all preflight checks have been made - "all systems are go (ready)" - and the launch countdown can proceed. As with many catchy phrases, it has migrated into common usage in business and elsewhere with its meaning intact - everything is ready.