10 green idioms
The color green often brings to mind nature and growth. In the English language, “green” idioms in some way are connected to those ideas. For example, to be “green with envy” means to feel jealous. This article uncovers 10 “green” idioms, showing how they are used in conversation.
Green with envy
Feeling very jealous or envious.
When Sarah saw Tom’s new phone, she was green with envy.
Jane was green with envy when she found out her colleague got promoted.
Green thumb
Being good at gardening.
My dad has a green thumb; he grows beautiful flowers.
Emily’s garden is thriving because of her green thumb, and she always has fresh vegetables.
Get the green light
Having permission to do something.
We got the green light to start the project.
After months of waiting, the team got the green light to launch the new website.
Green around the gills
Looking ill or nauseous.
After the ride, he looked green around the gills.
The long car journey made Paul green around the gills.
Greenhorn
A novice or beginner.
Being a greenhorn, Jack found his first day at work tough.
As a greenhorn in the kitchen, Lisa struggled to follow the recipe.
Go green
To start being very environmentally friendly.
Our office is going green by recycling paper.
The company decided to go green by reducing waste and using solar energy.
Green-eyed monster
Jealousy.
The green-eyed monster showed up when Mike saw his friend’s new car.
When Emma heard about her colleague’s vacation, the green-eyed monster made her feel bitter.
Green room
A waiting area for performers.
The actor waited in the green room before going on stage.
The green room was filled with excitement as the cast prepared for their performance.
Green machine
A car or device that is environmentally friendly.
They bought a green machine to reduce pollution.
Anna’s new green machine uses electric power to minimize its carbon footprint.
The grass is always greener on the other side
Believing that other situations are better than your own.
He thinks the grass is always greener on the other side and everyone has a better job than he does.
Sarah realized that the grass isn’t always greener on the other side after switching to a new apartment.
If you enjoyed reading about green idioms, you might also like our collection of black idioms!
