green with envy
Meaning
Extremely jealous of someone or something they have or achieved.
Origin
The phrase draws on an old association between strong emotions and bodily color. In Western literature, “green” was linked to sickness and jealousy; Shakespeare helped popularize it (e.g., “green-eyed monster” in Othello).
Notes
A vivid, informal way to emphasize strong jealousy. Can be playful, but saying it to someone directly may sound insulting.
Examples
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When she saw her coworker get promoted, she was green with envy.
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I was green with envy watching my friends travel around Europe all summer.
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He tried to act happy for her, but his face looked green with envy.
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She was green with envy when her neighbor bought a brand-new electric car.
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The kids were green with envy after seeing their cousin’s huge birthday cake.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Usually used as a predicate adjective phrase after a linking verb: “be/feel/look green with envy.” Occasionally used as a supplement: “green with envy, he…” Fixed wording; don’t change “with” to “of.”
Synonyms
- jealous
- envious
- incredibly jealous
- consumed with envy
Antonyms
- happy for someone
- content
- satisfied