Learn
Watch & LearnLearning Paths
English for Daily LifeEnglish for Social ConnectionEnglish for WorkVOA English
Words and Their StoriesLearning Expressions with VOA
Processed with VS1Decode color phrases for jealousy, being new to a task, feeling unwell, money, and environmental choices.
VOA source audio
Source: VOA Learning English · Words and Their Stories
View original article & transcript“Green” appears in expressions for money, environmental choices, inexperience, sickness, and jealousy. Someone “green at” a task is new to it; a sick person may look “green around the gills”; and a very jealous person may be “green with envy” or have “the green-eyed monster” taking over. A company that “goes green” adopts more environmentally friendly practices.
Cultural note: The same color has unrelated meanings, so context is essential. “Green with envy” describes an emotion, while “green around the gills” refers to looking ill. Calling a person “green” about a job can sound blunt; “new to the role” is a gentler alternative.
Keep exploringOne color can suggest a new employee, a dollar bill, cleaner choices, or jealousy—listen for the situation around it.
Phrase guide · 6 expressions
Original explanations and examples, created for learners. Save a card for later or hear the phrase spoken by your browser.
Describe wanting something another person has.
Meaning
Very jealous because someone else has something you want.
Tone & use
Informal and vivid; usually describes a feeling, not an objective judgment about another person.
Example
“I was green with envy when my neighbor showed me photos of her quiet cabin by the lake.”
Meaning
Jealousy imagined as a force that can take over someone’s thoughts.
Tone & use
Dramatic and often playful, but can criticize someone for dwelling on envy.
Example
“The green-eyed monster appeared when he saw his former teammate accept the award.”
Talk about limited experience without treating it as a permanent trait.
Meaning
Inexperienced or new to an activity or job.
Tone & use
Often followed by “at” plus an activity; it can sound dismissive, so use “new to” for a softer tone.
Example
“I am still green at pottery, so my first bowl is a little uneven.”
Recognize other context-dependent meanings of “green.”
Meaning
Looking sick or likely to become sick.
Tone & use
Informal and descriptive; use for someone’s appearance, not as a diagnosis.
Example
“After the winding ferry ride, several passengers looked green around the gills.”
Meaning
Adopt practices that are more environmentally friendly.
Tone & use
Common in business and everyday contexts; the phrase does not specify which actions are involved.
Example
“The café went green by replacing disposable cups with reusable ones.”
Meaning
A U.S. dollar bill.
Tone & use
Informal and somewhat old-fashioned; it refers to U.S. currency, not money in general.
Example
“The street musician tucked a greenback into the open guitar case.”
Knowledge check
Choose the expression that best fits each situation.
Try it · Choose the best expression
1 of 3
