Have you ever noticed how often the colour green is used in English expressions? From nature and health to money and jealousy, green idioms are everywhere in everyday conversations.
In this article, you’ll explore 43 common English idioms that include the word “green.” Each idiom will come with a simple meaning, two clear example sentences, and some
Other Ways to Say it. This will help you understand them better and use them in real life.
At the end, you’ll find a fun fill-in-the-blank exercise and a short quiz to test your learning. Let’s begin and make your English a little “greener”!
43 Idioms for Green
Give the green light
Meaning: To give permission to start something.
In a Sentence
Example 1: The manager finally gave the green light to launch the new website after months of planning.
Example 2: We couldn’t start the construction until the city council gave the green light.
Other Ways to Say: Approve Authorize Permit
The grass is always greener on the other side
Meaning: Other people’s situations always seem better than your own, even if they’re not.
In a Sentence
Example 1: She quit her job thinking she’d be happier elsewhere, but now she sees that the grass isn’t always greener on the other side.
Example 2: When he moved to a bigger city, he realized the grass is always greener on the other side—until you get there.
Other Ways to Say: It’s not always better elsewhere Things always look better from a distance
Green with envy
Meaning: Very jealous.
In a Sentence
Example 1: When she saw her friend’s new car, she felt green with envy.
Example 2: He was green with envy when his colleague got promoted before him.
Other Ways to Say: Jealous Envious Wishing you had what someone else has
Green thumb
Meaning: A natural talent for gardening.
In a Sentence
Example 1: My grandmother has a green thumb—everything she plants grows beautifully.
Example 2: If you have a green thumb, this backyard garden will be your paradise.
Other Ways to Say: Good with plants Gardening talent
Green around the gills
Meaning: Looking sick or unwell.
In a Sentence
Example 1: After eating that street food, he looked green around the gills.
Example 2: She felt green around the gills during the boat ride on the rough sea.
Other Ways to Say: Sick Nauseous Unwell
Get the green light
Meaning: To receive permission to start something.
In a Sentence
Example 1: We got the green light to begin filming the movie next month.
Example 2: The team got the green light from their boss to work remotely.
Other Ways to Say: Receive approval Be allowed Get the go-ahead
Going green
Meaning: Becoming more environmentally friendly.
In a Sentence
Example 1: More companies are going green by using solar energy and reducing plastic use.
Example 2: Our family started going green by recycling and buying local food.
Other Ways to Say: Becoming eco-friendly Living sustainably
Green-eyed monster
Meaning: A symbol of jealousy.
In a Sentence
Example 1: The green-eyed monster took over when he saw his ex with someone new.
Example 2: Jealousy is dangerous—it’s easy to let the green-eyed monster control your thoughts.
Other Ways to Say: Jealousy Envy
The green stuff
Meaning: Money (informal).
In a Sentence
Example 1: He works day and night to earn the green stuff.
Example 2: Don’t forget to bring the green stuff if we’re going shopping!
Other Ways to Say: Cash Money Greenbacks
Greenback
Meaning: A U.S. dollar bill.
In a Sentence
Example 1: The shop only accepts greenbacks, not credit cards.
Example 2: He had a stack of greenbacks in his wallet.
Other Ways to Say: Dollars Cash Money
A greenhorn
Meaning: A person who is new and inexperienced.
In a Sentence
Example 1: He’s still a greenhorn in the kitchen, but he’s learning fast.
Example 2: They hired a few greenhorns, so expect some mistakes at first.
Other Ways to Say: Beginner Rookie Novice
Green as grass
Meaning: Very inexperienced or naïve.
In a Sentence
Example 1: When I started my first job, I was green as grass and didn’t know how to send an email!
Example 2: The new intern is green as grass, but very eager to learn.
Other Ways to Say: Inexperienced New Naïve
To be green
Meaning: To be inexperienced or new at something.
In a Sentence
Example 1: She’s a bit green in sales, but she’s improving each day.
Example 2: I was still green when I tried public speaking for the first time.
Other Ways to Say: Unskilled Beginner Fresh
The rub of the green
Meaning: A matter of luck or chance.
In a Sentence
Example 1: Sometimes winning or losing is just the rub of the green.
Example 2: He played well but lost because he didn’t get the rub of the green today.
Other Ways to Say: A stroke of luck Chance Fate
Green belt
Meaning: An area of land where building is not allowed, to keep nature protected.
In a Sentence
Example 1: They live near a green belt, so there are lots of trees and open space.
Example 2: The city is expanding, but the green belt remains untouched.
Other Ways to Say: Protected land Natural zone No-build area
Green shoots
Meaning: Signs of growth or recovery, especially after difficulty.
In a Sentence
Example 1: After the economic crisis, there are now green shoots of recovery.
Example 2: We’re finally seeing green shoots in our business after a hard year.
Other Ways to Say: Signs of hope Recovery New beginnings
In the green
Meaning: Making a profit or doing well financially.
In a Sentence
Example 1: After a year of losses, the company is finally in the green.
Example 2: If we keep our costs low, we’ll stay in the green this quarter.
Other Ways to Say: Profitable Financially healthy Making money
Greener pastures
Meaning: A better or more promising situation.
In a Sentence
Example 1: She left her job in search of greener pastures.
Example 2: He moved abroad, hoping for greener pastures and a fresh start.
Other Ways to Say: Better opportunities New horizons A fresh start
Looks green
Meaning: Appears sick or inexperienced.
In a Sentence
Example 1: He looked green during his first day at work—so nervous and unsure.
Example 2: After that rollercoaster ride, she looked green and needed to sit down.
Other Ways to Say: Looks sick Looks pale Seems new
Not as green as one is cabbage-looking
Meaning: Not as naïve or foolish as someone might think.
In a Sentence
Example 1: Don’t try to fool me—I’m not as green as I’m cabbage-looking.
Example 2: He acts silly, but he’s not as green as he’s cabbage-looking.
Other Ways to Say: Smarter than I look Not that naive Don’t judge by appearance
See any green in my eye?
Meaning: A sarcastic way to say, “I’m not stupid” or “You can’t fool me.”
In a Sentence
Example 1: When he tried to trick her into paying more, she replied, “Do you see any green in my eye?”
Example 2: “See any green in my eye? I know that’s not a real diamond!”
Other Ways to Say: I’m not naïve I won’t be fooled Don’t take me for a fool
The green room
Meaning: A waiting room for performers before they go on stage or TV.
In a Sentence
Example 1: The actor stayed in the green room until it was his time to go live.
Example 2: She was so nervous, sitting in the green room before her big moment on camera.
Other Ways to Say: Backstage lounge Waiting area for performers
To have green fingers
Meaning: To be good at gardening (British version of “green thumb”).
In a Sentence
Example 1: My aunt has green fingers—her house is full of beautiful plants.
Example 2: If you have green fingers, you’ll love growing herbs in the kitchen.
Other Ways to Say: Good with plants Gardening skills Green thumb
A green winter
Meaning: A winter without snow.
In a Sentence
Example 1: We had a green winter last year—no snow at all, just rain.
Example 2: Ski resorts suffered because it was a green winter with no fresh snow.
Other Ways to Say: Snowless winter Warm winter
Turn green
Meaning: To become sick or jealous.
In a Sentence
Example 1: He turned green after seeing the blood at the hospital.
Example 2: She turned green with envy when her friend got the award.
Other Ways to Say: Feel sick Feel jealous Look pale
To be green about the gills
Meaning: To look unwell or nauseous (similar to “green around the gills”).
In a Sentence
Example 1: After the roller coaster, she was green about the gills and needed a break.
Example 2: He looked green about the gills during the bumpy plane ride.
Other Ways to Say: Nauseous Ill-looking Unwell
Green power
Meaning: Electricity from renewable energy sources like wind or solar.
In a Sentence
Example 1: The city is investing in green power to reduce pollution.
Example 2: Our school now runs on green power from solar panels.
Other Ways to Say: Clean energy Renewable energy Eco power
To get the go-ahead
Meaning: To receive permission (same meaning as “get the green light”).
In a Sentence
Example 1: We finally got the go-ahead to start the project next week.
Example 2: They needed official approval and now they’ve got the go-ahead.
Other Ways to Say: Receive permission Approved Cleared to begin
To be out in the green
Meaning: To be outside in nature.
In a Sentence
Example 1: After days in the office, it feels so good to be out in the green.
Example 2: We went hiking just to be out in the green and breathe fresh air.
Other Ways to Say: Be in nature Outdoors Surrounded by greenery
The village green
Meaning: An open grassy area in a village, often used for community events.
In a Sentence
Example 1: The children played football on the village green after school.
Example 2: We held a picnic on the village green with music and games.
Other Ways to Say: Town meadow Community lawn Public green space
Putting green
Meaning: A smooth grassy area for practicing putting in golf.
In a Sentence
Example 1: He practiced his shots on the putting green before the game.
Example 2: The hotel has a private putting green for guests.
Other Ways to Say: Golf practice area Mini-golf lawn
Eat your greens
Meaning: To eat vegetables, especially leafy ones.
In a Sentence
Example 1: My mom always says, “Eat your greens if you want to grow strong!”
Example 2: Kids don’t like to eat their greens, but they’re good for your health.
Other Ways to Say: Eat vegetables Eat healthy Eat spinach, broccoli, etc.
Fresh and green
Meaning: New, healthy, and full of life.
In a Sentence
Example 1: The countryside looked fresh and green after the spring rain.
Example 2: I love how the park smells fresh and green in the early morning.
Other Ways to Say: Lush Alive and new Full of nature
As green as a gourd
Meaning: Very inexperienced or naïve.
In a Sentence
Example 1: He’s as green as a gourd in business but eager to learn.
Example 2: Don’t be fooled by her confidence—she’s still as green as a gourd.
Other Ways to Say: Totally new Very naive A complete beginner
The green light of go
Meaning: A clear signal or permission to start.
In a Sentence
Example 1: After weeks of delay, we finally saw the green light of go.
Example 2: They were waiting for the green light of go to launch their app.
Other Ways to Say: Start signal Go sign Permission granted
Green politics
Meaning: Political ideas focused on the environment and sustainability.
In a Sentence
Example 1: Green politics is growing stronger as more people care about climate change.
Example 2: She joined a group focused on green politics to protect nature.
Other Ways to Say: Environmental politics Eco movement Sustainability focus
A green ban
Meaning: A protest that stops construction to protect the environment.
In a Sentence
Example 1: The group placed a green ban on building in the forest.
Example 2: Activists started a green ban to save the old trees in the park.
Other Ways to Say: Environmental protest Eco strike Construction ban
Fair green
Meaning: A town field or grassy area where fairs or gatherings happen.
In a Sentence
Example 1: The summer festival was held on the fair green with food and music.
Example 2: Kids played games on the fair green during the weekend fair.
Other Ways to Say: Village lawn Fairground Public meadow
Green party
Meaning: A political party that supports environmental issues.
In a Sentence
Example 1: The Green Party promotes renewable energy and eco laws.
Example 2: Many young voters now support the Green Party for climate action.
Other Ways to Say: Environmental party Eco-political group
Greenwash
Meaning: When a company pretends to be eco-friendly to look good, but it’s not real.
In a Sentence
Example 1: That company claims to care about the planet, but it’s just greenwash.
Example 2: Don’t fall for the greenwash—check what they actually do for the environment.
Other Ways to Say: Fake eco-branding Eco-lies False green image
Green Beret
Meaning: A member of a special elite group in the U.S. Army.
In a Sentence
Example 1: He served as a Green Beret and completed missions in difficult areas.
Example 2: The Green Berets are known for their bravery and special training.
Other Ways to Say: Elite soldier Special forces member
Green-light
Meaning: To officially approve or allow something to start.
In a Sentence
Example 1: The board green-lighted the new advertising campaign.
Example 2: They need to green-light the project before we begin.
Other Ways to Say: Approve Give the okay Authorize
Green old age
Meaning: To be healthy and active in old age.
In a Sentence
Example 1: She stayed active and lived to a green old age.
Example 2: Thanks to regular walks and a healthy diet, he reached a green old age.
Other Ways to Say: Healthy senior years Active aging Long, fit life
Exercises to Practice
Fill in the Blanks (16 Sentences) Instructions: Read each sentence and fill in the blank with the correct idiom from the list. Use your understanding of the meaning to choose the best answer.
- She was so __________ when she saw her friend’s luxurious new apartment.
- After eating too much candy at the fair, he looked __________ and had to sit down.
- The government finally __________ the construction of the new highway.
- Ever since they installed solar panels and started composting, they’ve been __________.
- He’s a complete __________ when it comes to investing—he just started last week.
- My mother has a real __________—her garden is always full of flowers.
- They say __________, but when I moved abroad, life wasn’t so easy.
- If we keep making good sales, we’ll be __________ by the end of the year.
- Don’t lie to me—__________? I know that trick already.
- He practiced his short golf shots on the __________ all afternoon.
- I always tell my kids to __________ if they want to stay healthy.
- She stayed strong and active until a __________—still hiking at 85!
- The politician was accused of __________—talking green but doing nothing.
- That company received __________ from the board to launch the product next month.
- The actor waited nervously in __________ before stepping onto the stage.
- She’s hoping to find __________ by starting a new life in another city.
Answer Key:
- green with envy
- green around the gills
- gave the green light
- going green
- greenhorn
- green thumb
- the grass is always greener on the other side
- in the green
- see any green in my eye
- putting green
- eat your greens
- green old age
- greenwash
- the green light
- the green room
- greener pastures
Quiz – Test Your Knowledge!
Choose the correct answer for each question. Write down your choice (A, B, C, or D). Answers are provided at the end of the quiz.
1. What does “green with envy” mean? A. Feeling sick after eating something B. Being very jealous C. Loving green clothes D. Being good at gardening
2. Which idiom means “to start being more eco-friendly”? A. Green power B. Going green C. Green-eyed monster D. Eat your greens
3. What is a “greenhorn”? A. A military officer B. A person who grows plants C. A new and inexperienced person D. A jealous person
4. If someone says “I got the green light,” what do they mean? A. They received a gift B. They were told to stop C. They were allowed to begin something D. They saw a traffic light
5. What does “the grass is always greener on the other side” suggest? A. Other people’s lives always seem better B. Grass is nicer in summer C. Green places are healthier D. You should move to a new house
6. What is the meaning of “to be green around the gills”? A. To be new at something B. To feel or look sick C. To wear green makeup D. To love the color green
7. Which idiom is related to being good at growing plants? A. Green-eyed monster B. Greenback C. Green fingers D. The green stuff
Answer Key:
- B
- B
- C
- C
- A
- B
- C
Conclusion
Now you’ve learned 43 idioms that all include the word green!
These expressions can describe many things—jealousy, money, nature, inexperience, and even good health. By reading their meanings, studying real examples, and practicing with the exercises and quiz, you are making your English sound more natural and fluent.
- Keep reviewing these idioms
- Try using them in your own sentences
- And remember: idioms make your English more colorful and fun!
Great job, and keep learning!
