Green color idioms: 13 useful Green color idioms
Discover the enchanting world of language through a compilation of captivating green color idioms. From “green with envy” to “green thumb,” these colorful expressions add a touch of zest to our everyday conversations. Join us as we unravel the hidden meanings behind these delightful linguistic gems.

List of Green color idioms
- Green with envy
- The grass is always greener on the other side
- Green thumb
- Green light
- Green around the gills
- Green-collar worker
- Greenhorn
- Evergreen
- Green-eyed monster
- Greenwash
- Green room
- Green belt
- Greenback
Green color idioms: List of Green color idioms meaning and Examples
Green with envy
Meaning: Feeling jealous or envious.
Examples:
- She was green with envy when she saw her friend’s brand new car, as she couldn’t afford one herself.
- The other students were green with envy when she won the scholarship and got to study abroad for free.
The grass is always greener on the other side
Meaning: People tend to be dissatisfied with their own situation and believe that others have it better.
Examples:
- She always thought the grass was greener on the other side and constantly looked for new opportunities and experiences.
- He left his stable job for a new venture, thinking the grass would be greener on the other side, but he soon realized the challenges and risks involved.
Green thumb
Meaning: Having a natural talent or skill for gardening.
Examples:
- She has a green thumb and can make any plant grow and thrive in her garden, no matter how difficult it may be.
- His grandmother had a green thumb and taught him all the tricks and secrets of gardening, which he still uses to this day.
Green light
Meaning: Permission or approval to proceed with something.
Examples:
- The boss gave the green light for the new project, and the team started working on it right away.
- They got the green light from the city council to build the new skyscraper, despite opposition from some residents.
- The coach gave the green light for the team to start training for the upcoming championship, and they worked hard to prepare for it.
Green around the gills
Meaning: Looking or feeling sick or nauseous.
Examples:
- She felt green around the gills after eating the spoiled food, and had to rush to the bathroom to throw up.
- He looked green around the gills when he saw the horror movie, as he couldn’t handle the scary scenes and special effects.
- The roller coaster ride made her feel green around the gills, as she was prone to motion sickness.
Green-collar worker
Meaning: A worker employed in a job related to the environment or sustainability.
Examples:
- He started working as a green-collar worker at a solar panel company, where he helped promote renewable energy sources.
- She was proud to be a green-collar worker, as she believed her work had a positive impact on the environment.
Greenhorn
Meaning: An inexperienced or naive person.
Examples:
- He was a greenhorn when it came to investing in the stock market, and lost a lot of money on his first attempt.
- The new employee was a greenhorn when it came to using the company’s software, and had to receive extensive training to catch up with his colleagues.
Evergreen
Meaning: Something that is always popular or in demand, and doesn’t go out of style.
Examples:
- The Beatles’ music is considered an evergreen, as it has remained popular for decades and continues to be enjoyed by new generations.
- The classic black dress is an evergreen fashion item that never goes out of style, and can be worn in a variety of settings.
- The company’s evergreen product line includes basic household items such as soap and cleaning supplies, which are always in demand.
Green-eyed monster
Meaning: Jealousy or envy.
Examples:
- He couldn’t help feeling the green-eyed monster when he saw his ex-girlfriend with her new boyfriend, even though he knew it was time to move on.
- The other team members felt the green-eyed monster when she was praised by the boss for her excellent performance, and started to resent her success.
Greenwash
Meaning: Make false or exaggerated claims about a company’s environmental or sustainable practices.
Examples:
- The company was accused of greenwashing their products, as their packaging suggested they were eco-friendly, but their manufacturing practices were not.
- The hotel chain was criticized for greenwashing their operations, as they claimed to use renewable energy and recycle waste, but in reality, their efforts were minimal.
- The government was accused of greenwashing their policies, as they claimed to support environmental initiatives, but in practice, their actions fell short of their promises.
Green room
Meaning: A room backstage in a theater or TV studio where performers can relax before or after a performance.
Examples:
- The lead actor retreated to the green room after the opening night performance, where he was congratulated by his colleagues and enjoyed a glass of champagne.
- The band members spent most of their time in the green room, where they could unwind and practice their setlist before going on stage.
Green belt
Meaning: An area of land around a city or town that is kept undeveloped and used for agriculture, recreation, or conservation.
Examples:
- The city council designated the green belt as a protected area, and banned any construction or development in the zone.
- The new park was built in the green belt, and offered residents a peaceful oasis where they could enjoy nature and exercise.
Greenback
Meaning: A US dollar bill, or money in general.
Examples:
- The store accepted both greenbacks and credit cards, but gave a discount to customers who paid in cash.
- The politician promised to fight for the rights of the working class, and criticized the rich for hoarding their greenbacks and ignoring the needs of the poor.