What Does Green Envy Mean?

Definition of green with envy

: very envious They were green with envy over the neighbors' new boat.

Where does the term green with envy come from?

The origin of the idiom 'green with envy' is believed to come directly from the great William Shakespeare himself. In Othello, Iago warns Othello: “Beware, my lord, of jealousy; it is the green-eyed monster which doth mock the meat it feeds on.”

How do you use green with envy?

to be very unhappy because someone has something that you want: Chad is heading off to Spain for the week, and I'm green with envy. jealousI'm so jealous that she's going to that concert!