green with envy: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘green with envy’ mean?
The idiom "green with envy" is used to describe someone who is extremely jealous or envious of someone else's success or possessions.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "I wish" is used to express a desire for something that is unlikely or impossible to happen in reality. It enables people to communicate their hopes or dreams, often highlighting a contrast between what is desired and what is actually true.
The idiom "in the same shoes" means to be in the same situation or experiencing the same circumstances as someone else.
The idiom "in the green tree … in the dry" means being in a favorable or advantageous situation versus being in a difficult situation or unfavorable conditions.
The idiom "high and mighty" means that someone is arrogant, haughty, or acting superior to others. It refers to someone who thinks they are better or more important than everyone else.
A 'green thumb' refers to a person with a special talent or skill in gardening, someone who has the ability to make plants thrive and grow. It is often used to describe someone who has a natural affinity for plants and gardening.
The idiom "green indigo" refers to something that is rare or hard to find. This expression is used to describe something that is elusive or difficult to come across.
The idiom "greener pastures" means to seek better opportunities or conditions elsewhere, often in terms of employment or living situation.
The idiom "green about the gills" means to look pale or sickly, often due to nausea or illness. It is typically used to describe someone who appears unwell or nauseated.
Unexpected Origins
The idiom "green with envy" is widely used in American English and has a specific meaning related to jealousy and envy. This idiom is often used to describe a feeling of intense jealousy or envy towards someone else's achievements, possessions, or advantages. It conveys the idea that the person experiencing this emotion is so consumed by jealousy that it affects their physical well-being, causing them to appear pale or sickly.
One interesting fact about this idiom is that the use of "green" to represent envy or jealousy can be traced back to ancient times. In ancient Greece, it was believed that jealousy could cause a person's complexion to turn green. This belief was later incorporated into literature and has since become a commonly understood association.
The idiom "green with envy" is often used in literature to portray characters' emotions and create vivid descriptions. Authors use this idiom to convey a character's intense jealousy, creating a visual image in the reader's mind. Its usage in literature further reinforces its common understanding and makes it a recognizable expression.
This idiom is also widely incorporated into popular culture, appearing in songs, movies, and other forms of media. Its usage in these contexts further reinforces its common understanding and contributes to its ongoing usage and familiarity with American English speakers.
Interestingly, this idiom can be used both in formal and informal settings. It is equally applicable in everyday conversations as well as in more formal writing. This versatility contributes to its ongoing usage and familiarity with American English speakers.
The idiom "eat one's heart out" is related to "green with envy" as it expresses a similar feeling of intense jealousy or envy. However, "eat one's heart out" typically emphasizes the internal turmoil and suffering caused by jealousy. It conveys the idea that the person experiencing this emotion is consumed by their jealousy to the point that it becomes a source of pain and distress.
Similarly, the idiom "green fingers" is related to "green with envy" as it also includes the word "green" in its expression. However, "green fingers" has a completely different meaning and is used to describe a person who has a natural talent or ability for gardening. It conveys the idea that the person has a touch or connection with plants and can make them flourish.
The idiom "green indigo" is not directly related to "green with envy" in terms of meaning or usage. "Green indigo" is a color name and is used to describe a shade of green that resembles the color indigo. This idiom is not commonly used and may not be familiar to all English speakers.
Lastly, the idiom "do someone one better" is related to "green with envy" as it expresses a competitive response to someone else's achievements or actions. It conveys the idea that a person wants to outdo or outperform someone else in order to surpass their achievements or actions. This idiom is often used in a playful or competitive context.
Example usage
Examples:
1. When she saw her neighbor driving the new sports car, she turned green with envy.
2. He couldn't hide his green-with-envy expression when he found out his best friend got the promotion.
3. The actress was green with envy when she saw her rival receive the award that she had always wanted.
More "Emotion" idioms
