What is the standard ICAO meaning of the phrase "cleared for the approach" ?
as far as i know it means you can manouver the airplane to the FAF and then follow the pubblished procedure you are cleared to.
In 2007 i received a claim
from Marseille Approach because during the STAR with an heading 30 ° offset with the final approach (under radar control)they say to me "you are cleared for the ILS approach RWY XX circle to land XX ". I armed the approach mode and proceeded direct to the FAF.
Their meaning was instead "cleared for the approach" following the whole STAR and approach procedure from IAF.