green with envy

USAGE SUMMARY

'green with envy' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to express extreme envy or jealousy. For example, "He was green with envy when he saw his friend had bought a new car."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

Tom B. Hunter, a Scotsman who owns 5% of BHS, says Green's critics are simply green with envy.

Forbes

Green with envy".

The New York Times

Their foreign rivals are green with envy.

The Economist

They'll be green with envy".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The neighbours will be green with envy.

The Guardian

I was simply green with envy.

The New York Times

Not that I'm green with envy.

The New York Times - Sports

It's enough to make Henry VIII green with envy.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

On New Year's Eve they were green... with envy and with thoughts of how to finally hit the jackpot.

Huffington Post

Colors are frequently used to describe emotions such as 'green with envy'redred with rage' and being 'in the blues' when depressed.

BMC Medical Research Methodology

If he is right, it will be his rivals who turn green with envy.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and context, this idiom is more suitable for informal or creative writing than formal academic papers.

Common error

Avoid using "green with envy" in situations where simple admiration is intended. This idiom conveys a negative connotation of resentment, not just appreciation. For example, saying someone is "green with envy" over a skill might be misinterpreted as jealousy rather than respect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "green with envy" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe a state of intense jealousy. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a usable phrase in English. Examples in Ludwig show its usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Wiki

11%

Science

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "green with envy" is a common and grammatically correct adjective phrase used to vividly express intense jealousy. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a perfectly usable idiom. Examples from Ludwig demonstrate its frequent use in news and media, with occasional appearances in more general or informal contexts. While generally neutral in register, it's best suited for situations where a strong sense of envy needs to be conveyed. Remember to use it accurately, conveying the negative connotation of resentment, and not just admiration. For alternatives, consider phrases like "consumed by jealousy" or "filled with envy".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

filled with envy

This option is a more straightforward way of expressing the same emotion, focusing on the feeling of envy.

eaten up with envy

This suggests that the envy is consuming the person, similar to "green with envy".

consumed by jealousy

This alternative directly describes the feeling of jealousy without using the color metaphor.

jealous and covetous

This option combines two related emotions to describe the feeling.

bitterly jealous

This phrase emphasizes the intensity and negativity of the jealousy.

envious to the core

This intensifies the feeling of envy by suggesting it's deeply rooted.

suffering from envy

This portrays envy as a negative experience affecting the person.

resentful of others' success

This phrase specifies that the envy is caused by others' achievements.

desiring what others possess

This highlights the element of wanting what belongs to someone else.

longing for what others have

This alternative focuses on the desire for something someone else possesses.

FAQs

How can I use "green with envy" in a sentence?

You can use "green with envy" to describe someone experiencing intense jealousy. For example: "He was "green with envy" when he saw his neighbor's new car".

What's a less common but similar phrase to "green with envy"?

An alternative phrase with a similar meaning is "consumed by jealousy". This conveys the intensity of the feeling without using the color metaphor.

Is it appropriate to use "green with envy" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "green with envy" is generally better suited for informal or creative writing. In formal contexts, consider more direct and less idiomatic expressions of jealousy or envy.

What emotions does "green with envy" convey?

"Green with envy" conveys a strong sense of jealousy and resentment, often implying that the person desires what another possesses. It's more than just admiration; it suggests a feeling of discontent.