Red brand gave the green light (7)

I believe the answer is:

scarlet

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'red' is the definition.
(synonyms)

'brand gave the green light' is the wordplay.
'brand' becomes 'scar' (I've seen this before).
'gave the green light' becomes 'let' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should give a lot more credence to this answer).
'scar'+'let'='SCARLET'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for scarlet that I've seen before include "Fallen" , "Cartels (anag.)" , "Murderer" , "Cherry-red" , "Bright red of clarets" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.

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