What does "green with envy" mean?

To be extremely envious or jealous of someone, to intensely wish you had what they have. The green colour is associated with envy (as in "green with envy" or "green-eyed monster"). It describes visible, obvious jealousy - you can't hide being "green with envy."

Natives use this phrase to describe obvious jealousy or envy. It's slightly dramatic language - if you're "green with envy," it's obvious to everyone. You'll hear it when someone is clearly jealous of another's success, possessions, or circumstances. It's often used playfully or with humour.

When one colleague gets promoted, another says half-jokingly, "I'm green with envy! Congratulations, though." Acknowledging their envy playfully.

Your friend buys a luxury car. Another friend says, "I'm absolutely green with envy. That's beautiful!" Expressing obvious jealousy.

In a more neutral context: "The success of competitors has left some stakeholders green with envy." Describing obvious discontentment.

• Jealous: Similar meaning but "green with envy" is more visible and dramatic.
• Envious: Nearly identical, though "green with" is more emphatic.
• Wishing: Too mild. "Green with envy" implies stronger feeling.

• Using it too seriously: It's often playful and light, not deeply critical.
• Forgetting the visibility: "Green with envy" implies obvious jealousy, not hidden envy.
• Using it to describe genuine unhappiness: It's lighthearted enough for most contexts.

Most common predicative: "She's green with envy." Can use with subject: "They're green with envy about the promotion." Past: "He was green with envy." Can modify: "absolutely green with envy," "visibly green with envy." Present: "I'm getting green with envy listening to your vacation plans."

Very casual, playful and sometimes humorous. Works in personal and informal professional contexts. Light-hearted but honest tone.

[envy], [jealousy], [wish]