green-with-envy
/ˌɡriːn wɪð ˈɛn.vi/ IELTSAcademic
idiom
Very jealous of someone, especially because they have something you want. It is often used in a playful or exaggerated way.
- She was green with envy when he got the promotion.
- I was green with envy at their beach holiday.
- My sister went green with envy over my new phone.
Adinary Nuance
Green with envy is stronger and more visual than jealous in everyday speech. Writers use it when they want a playful, colorful feeling, not a formal one. It usually sounds more expressive than envious or jealous.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- ghen tị
- Spanish
- morirse de envidia
- Chinese
- 非常嫉妒
- Japanese
- うらやましい
- Korean
- 몹시 부럽다
Etymology
This phrase comes from the old idea that strong jealousy can make a person look green. It became common in English as a vivid way to describe envy.
Common phrases
green with envyturn green with envymake someone green with envy
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is green with envy formal or informal?
- It is informal and expressive. It works well in speaking and light writing.
- Can I use green with envy in IELTS writing?
- You can, but only if the style is personal or descriptive. It is not ideal for very formal writing.
- What is the difference between green with envy and jealous?
- Green with envy is more vivid and playful. Jealous is the more general everyday word.
- Does green with envy always mean strong jealousy?
- Usually, yes. But people often say it jokingly, not seriously.