"Going Green" Idioms

Today we’re “going green” with the focus on color idioms.

Green is considered one of the basic colors and is one that is associated with jealousy, nature, good luck, and growth in Western/American culture according to this beautiful graphic.

Check out the following five green idioms!

(1) (to be) green with envy

Meaning: very envious
Sample Sentence: I was green with envy when I heard that my cousin would be going to London for a week.

(2) to give the green light

Meaning: to give approval to proceed
Sample Sentence: The company finally has the green light to start the project.

(3) (to have a) green thumb

Meaning: to be good with plants/gardens
Sample Sentence: I should ask the green thumb next door what he recommends for my droopy daffodils

(4) the grass is always greener on the other side

Meaning: a place or situation that is far away or different seems better than one’s present situation
Sample Sentence: I sometimes think I’d be happier living in Spain. Oh well, the grass is always greener on the other side!