English Idioms
Comprehensive resource for understanding and mastering English idioms
Green with envy
Meaning
The idiom "green with envy" means to feel intense jealousy or resentment towards someone who has something that one desires, such as wealth, success, power, or a desirable relationship. The phrase is derived from the idea of envying the color green, which is often associated with growth and vitality.
Usage
- I can't help but feel green with envy when I see my colleagues getting promotions and bonuses while I'm stuck in the same position for years.
- When I heard that my ex-girlfriend got married to a wealthy businessman, I felt green with envy at their happiness and success.
- I can't help but feel green with envy when I see my friends traveling to exotic places and experiencing new cultures.
- I feel green with envy when I hear about my colleagues getting raises or other forms of recognition for their work.
- When I saw the beautiful wedding pictures of my friends, I felt green with envy at how happy they looked on their special day. The usage of this idiom can vary depending on the context. It can be used to express a mild sense of jealousy or resentment or an intense one that requires immediate attention.
Roots and History
The origin of the idiom is not entirely clear, but it has been in use since at least the 14th century. One theory suggests that it comes from the medieval practice of envying the color green because it was believed to bring growth and vitality. Another theory suggests that it comes from the practice of wearing green clothing as a symbol of jealousy or resentment. Over time, the idiom has evolved to mean something more specific and is now used to describe intense feelings of jealousy or resentment towards someone who has something one desires.
Synonyms in English
- Envious
- Jealous
- Resentful
- Covetous
- Preen
Synonyms in other languages
- French: Jaloux (literally meaning "lancet")
- Spanish: Celoso/a (meaning "jealous")
- German: Eiförmig (meaning "egg-shaped," which is used to describe someone who is envious)
- Italian: Inverno di Natale (meaning "Christmas Eve," which is a time when people often feel jealous of others)
- Chinese: 羡慕 (pronounced zhēn mì, meaning "to envy")