Crossword Genius

Give the go ahead to a mug (11)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

countenance

I believe this clue is a double definition.

'give the go ahead to' is the first definition.
(both can mean to approve or allow)

'a mug' is the second definition.
(both can mean a face)

(Other definitions for countenance that I've seen before include "Favour" , "features" , "Approve of - human face" , "brook" , "Accept as possible; face" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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