15 color idioms
Colors aren’t just for painting or describing things we see. In English, there are many idioms that use colors to talk about different feelings, situations, or ideas. An idiom is a group of words with a special meaning that’s different from just the words themselves. For example, “to see red” means to feel angry, not to literally see the color red. In this article, we’ll explore 15 color idioms, helping you understand how to use them in conversations. Let’s dive into the colorful world of English idioms!
Green with envy
Extremely jealous or envious of someone.
Out of the blue
Something unexpected or surprising; happening suddenly.
White lie
A harmless or trivial lie told to avoid hurting someone’s feelings.
Black sheep
Someone who is considered the troublemaker or the odd one out in a group or family.
Paint the town red
To go out and have a great time, often involving partying or celebrating.
Red-handed
Caught in the act of doing something wrong or illegal.
Gray area
A situation that is not clearly defined or understood.
American English vs British English
Yellow-bellied
Cowardly or lacking courage.
Pink slip
A notice of dismissal from employment.
Gray matter
The brain; intelligence or intellectual capacity.
Golden opportunity
An excellent or advantageous opportunity.
Blue-collar
Relating to manual or industrial work, typically requiring protective clothing.
Rose-colored glasses
Having an overly optimistic or idealized view of things.
In the red
In debt or losing money.
Brownie points
Credit or praise received for doing good deeds or making an effort.
Did you enjoy exploring color idioms? Don’t forget to check out our love idioms too!
