The phrase “green with envy” refers to a state of intense jealousy or envy that someone feels towards another person. The color green is often associated with jealousy, and this expression suggests that the emotion can be so strong it manifests physically, as if the person is turning green.
This idiom has its roots in literature and folklore, where the color green is linked to the feelings of insecurity and desire for what others possess. When someone feels “green with envy,” they often long for what someone else has, whether it’s their achievements, possessions, or relationships. The expression serves to highlight not just a casual jealousy, but a deeper, more consuming sense of discontent that can affect one’s emotions and relationships.