Sometimes, people feel upset when they see others have things they want. This feeling is called jealousy. It can happen when someone gets a new toy, wins a game, or spends time with a friend. Jealousy is a normal feeling, but it can be hard to talk about.
To help with this, people use special phrases called idioms. These idioms make it easier to describe how jealousy feels. In this article, we will look at idioms about jealousy. They will help you understand this feeling better and talk about it in a fun way.
Idioms About Jealousy
1. Green with envy
Meaning: Feeling very jealous.
Example Sentence:
• I was green with envy when I saw Jake’s new bike.
• She was green with envy when her friend got the lead role in the play.
Other ways to say: Very jealous, really wanting what someone else has
Fun Fact/Origin: The color green has been linked to jealousy since ancient times, especially in stories by Shakespeare.
Usage: Used when someone strongly wishes they had what someone else has.
2. The green-eyed monster
Meaning: Jealousy as if it were a creature.
Example Sentence:
• The green-eyed monster came out when Tim saw his friend’s new tablet.
• I try not to let the green-eyed monster take over when others win.
Other ways to say: Feeling jealous, acting out of envy
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from Shakespeare’s play “Othello” where jealousy is called a monster.
Usage: Used to describe jealousy that changes someone’s behavior.
3. Eat your heart out
Meaning: To feel very jealous or upset because someone else is doing well.
Example Sentence:
• Eat your heart out, I just scored three goals in soccer!
• She said it after showing her art project to jealous classmates.
Other ways to say: Be jealous, wish you had this
Fun Fact/Origin: It means your emotions are so strong it feels like you’re hurting inside.
Usage: Said to show off something and tease others a little.
4. Sour grapes
Meaning: Pretending not to care when you’re actually jealous.
Example Sentence:
• He said the video game was boring, but I think it was just sour grapes.
• When she didn’t get invited, she called the party lame—maybe sour grapes.
Other ways to say: Pretending not to care, being jealous
Fun Fact/Origin: From an old story by Aesop about a fox who couldn’t reach grapes and said they were sour.
Usage: Used when someone acts like they don’t care, but really does.
5. Jealous bone in your body
Meaning: Not having any jealousy at all.
Example Sentence:
• Sam doesn’t have a jealous bone in his body.
• She’s so kind, there’s not a jealous bone in her body.
Other ways to say: Not jealous, very happy for others
Fun Fact/Origin: It means not even one part of the person is jealous.
Usage: Used to describe someone who never gets jealous.
6. Burning with jealousy
Meaning: Feeling very jealous inside.
Example Sentence:
• She was burning with jealousy when her best friend got picked first.
• I was burning with jealousy when he showed off his new shoes.
Other ways to say: Boiling with envy, really jealous
Fun Fact/Origin: People compare strong feelings like jealousy to fire or heat.
Usage: Used when someone feels very jealous, even if they don’t say it out loud.
7. Green around the gills (jealousy version)
Meaning: Looking a bit upset or jealous.
Example Sentence:
• He was green around the gills when I got the last cookie.
• She looked green around the gills watching her friend win.
Other ways to say: Slightly jealous, looking upset
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase also means sick, but it can be used for jealousy when someone looks unhappy.
Usage: Used to describe how someone looks when they’re quietly jealous.
8. Stew in your own juice
Meaning: To stay jealous and upset without saying anything.
Example Sentence:
• He just sat there, stewing in his own juice after I won.
• She was stewing in her own juice when no one picked her.
Other ways to say: Stay mad, stay jealous
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from cooking, where things boil in their own liquid.
Usage: Used when someone won’t talk but clearly feels jealous.
9. Green-eyed glare
Meaning: A jealous look at someone.
Example Sentence:
• She gave me a green-eyed glare when I got the prize.
• His green-eyed glare told me he was not happy about it.
Other ways to say: Jealous stare, mean look
Fun Fact/Origin: Combines the idea of jealousy and angry eyes.
Usage: Used to describe how someone looks when they’re jealous.
10. Bitten by the jealousy bug
Meaning: Suddenly feeling jealous.
Example Sentence:
• I was bitten by the jealousy bug when my cousin got a phone.
• She was fine until she saw the dress—then the jealousy bug bit her.
Other ways to say: Got jealous, felt envy
Fun Fact/Origin: Many feelings are described like being “bitten” by a bug or idea.
Usage: Used when someone suddenly feels jealous.
11. Turn green
Meaning: To suddenly feel jealous.
Example Sentence:
• He turned green when I showed my new trading cards.
• She turned green after hearing about our trip.
Other ways to say: Feel jealous, get envious
Fun Fact/Origin: Green is often used to describe jealousy.
Usage: Used when someone quickly becomes jealous.
12. Turn up your nose
Meaning: Act like something isn’t good enough when really, you’re just jealous.
Example Sentence:
• She turned up her nose at my new jacket, but I think she liked it.
• He turned up his nose when I got praised.
Other ways to say: Act snobby, act like you don’t care
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from the idea of lifting your nose to seem better than others.
Usage: Used when someone acts rude because they’re jealous.
13. Wish you had what they had
Meaning: To want what someone else has because of jealousy.
Example Sentence:
• I wished I had what she had when I saw her lunch.
• He wished he had what his friend got for Christmas.
Other ways to say: Envy someone, feel jealous
Fun Fact/Origin: A very plain way to describe jealousy.
Usage: Used in simple talk about being jealous.
14. Give the evil eye
Meaning: A mean look that shows jealousy.
Example Sentence:
• She gave me the evil eye when I sat in the front row.
• I saw him give the evil eye after the game.
Other ways to say: Jealous look, glare
Fun Fact/Origin: People used to believe jealous looks could bring bad luck.
Usage: Used to describe mean or jealous looks.
15. Green with jealousy
Meaning: Feeling super jealous (a twist on “green with envy”).
Example Sentence:
• He was green with jealousy over her drawing.
• She turned green with jealousy after the awards.
Other ways to say: Full of jealousy, very envious
Fun Fact/Origin: Just another way to say “green with envy.”
Usage: Used when someone feels big jealousy.
16. Filled with envy
Meaning: Full of jealous feelings.
Example Sentence:
• He was filled with envy when his brother got the new bike.
• She watched the others play and felt filled with envy.
Other ways to say: So jealous, really wanting it
Fun Fact/Origin: “Envy” is another word for jealousy and means wanting what someone else has.
Usage: Used when someone is deeply jealous.
17. Boiling with envy
Meaning: Feeling jealousy very strongly.
Example Sentence:
• I was boiling with envy when she got a new phone.
• He was boiling with envy at the science fair.
Other ways to say: Burning inside, really jealous
Fun Fact/Origin: People often compare strong feelings to something hot, like boiling water.
Usage: Used when jealousy feels intense.
18. Put out by someone else’s success
Meaning: Feeling jealous when someone else does well.
Example Sentence:
• She was put out when her classmate won the prize.
• He looked put out after hearing about my win.
Other ways to say: Jealous, upset by success
Fun Fact/Origin: “Put out” means made to feel unhappy or bothered.
Usage: Used when someone can’t be happy for others.
19. Green spark in the eyes
Meaning: A quick look that shows jealousy.
Example Sentence:
• I saw a green spark in her eyes when I showed my trophy.
• His eyes had a green spark when I got the part.
Other ways to say: Jealous look, glare
Fun Fact/Origin: Combines the idea of green for envy with eye expressions.
Usage: Used when jealousy shows in someone’s eyes.
20. Jealous streak
Meaning: A part of someone’s personality that gets jealous often.
Example Sentence:
• He has a jealous streak when it comes to games.
• Her jealous streak showed when her friend got praised.
Other ways to say: Gets jealous easily, envious nature
Fun Fact/Origin: A “streak” means a pattern or habit.
Usage: Used to describe a person who often gets jealous.
21. Smiling on the outside, jealous on the inside
Meaning: Pretending to be happy, but actually jealous.
Example Sentence:
• I clapped for her, but inside I was jealous.
• He smiled, but I knew he was jealous on the inside.
Other ways to say: Hiding jealousy, faking happiness
Fun Fact/Origin: People often smile even when they feel different inside.
Usage: Used when someone hides how they really feel.
22. Behind the smile is envy
Meaning: A fake smile that covers jealousy.
Example Sentence:
• Behind her smile was envy as we celebrated.
• I could tell that behind his smile was envy.
Other ways to say: Secretly jealous, smiling but upset
Fun Fact/Origin: Looks can hide feelings.
Usage: Used when someone is pretending not to be jealous.
23. Trying to one-up
Meaning: Trying to do better than someone because of jealousy.
Example Sentence:
• He tried to one-up me by bringing a bigger toy.
• She always tries to one-up her classmates.
Other ways to say: Outdo, show off
Fun Fact/Origin: “One-up” means to do just a little better than someone else.
Usage: Used when someone wants to prove they’re better because they’re jealous.
24. Giving jealous vibes
Meaning: Acting in a way that shows jealousy.
Example Sentence:
• She was giving jealous vibes when I wore my new shoes.
• He didn’t say anything, but he gave off jealous vibes.
Other ways to say: Looking jealous, showing envy
Fun Fact/Origin: “Vibes” is short for “vibrations,” meaning the feeling someone gives off.
Usage: Used when someone seems jealous.
25. Cold shoulder (due to jealousy)
Meaning: Ignoring someone because you’re jealous.
Example Sentence:
• He gave me the cold shoulder after I won.
• She gave her friend the cold shoulder at lunch.
Other ways to say: Ignore, act distant
Fun Fact/Origin: Turning your shoulder away is a sign of ignoring.
Usage: Used when jealousy causes someone to act cold or distant.
26. Envy eats you up
Meaning: Jealousy makes someone feel bad inside.
Example Sentence:
• Don’t let envy eat you up inside.
• He was so jealous, it was eating him up.
Other ways to say: Can’t stop being jealous, hurts inside
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from how strong emotions can feel like they’re hurting you.
Usage: Used when jealousy takes over someone’s feelings.
27. Jealous glare
Meaning: A look that shows someone is jealous.
Example Sentence:
• She gave me a jealous glare after I got a compliment.
• His jealous glare was easy to spot.
Other ways to say: Dirty look, envious stare
Fun Fact/Origin: Eyes often show what people feel inside.
Usage: Used when someone gives a look that shows jealousy.
28. Envy monster
Meaning: Jealousy that feels too big to control.
Example Sentence:
• The envy monster came out when I saw her new tablet.
• He turned into an envy monster during the contest.
Other ways to say: Super jealous, jealous feelings
Fun Fact/Origin: Refers to big feelings like monsters that are hard to handle.
Usage: Used when someone is acting out because of jealousy.
29. Choking on jealousy
Meaning: Feeling so jealous it’s hard to speak.
Example Sentence:
• I was choking on jealousy when he got picked.
• She almost choked on jealousy during the game.
Other ways to say: Too jealous to talk, full of envy
Fun Fact/Origin: Strong emotions can feel like a lump in your throat.
Usage: Used when someone can’t hide how jealous they feel.
30. Turn sour
Meaning: Someone’s attitude changes due to jealousy.
Example Sentence:
• His mood turned sour when I won.
• The fun turned sour when she didn’t get picked.
Other ways to say: Got upset, became jealous
Fun Fact/Origin: “Sour” means something unpleasant or bitter.
Usage: Used when someone suddenly acts jealous.
31. Cold as ice (because of jealousy)
Meaning: Being unfriendly due to jealousy.
Example Sentence:
• She was cold as ice after I showed my project.
• He turned cold as ice when I got attention.
Other ways to say: Unfriendly, acting jealous
Fun Fact/Origin: Coldness is often used to describe distant or mean behavior.
Usage: Used when jealousy makes someone act cold.
32. Jealous fire
Meaning: Jealousy that burns strongly inside.
Example Sentence:
• The jealous fire in her eyes was easy to see.
• He felt a jealous fire after hearing the results.
Other ways to say: Burning with jealousy, full of envy
Fun Fact/Origin: Strong feelings like anger or jealousy are often compared to fire.
Usage: Used to describe powerful jealousy.
33. Silent jealousy
Meaning: Quietly feeling jealous without saying it.
Example Sentence:
• She sat in silent jealousy as her friend opened gifts.
• He was filled with silent jealousy during the party.
Other ways to say: Quiet envy, unspoken jealousy
Fun Fact/Origin: Some people don’t show feelings, but still feel them strongly.
Usage: Used when jealousy is hidden but still there.
34. Stuck in envy
Meaning: Not able to stop feeling jealous.
Example Sentence:
• He was stuck in envy after losing the contest.
• She stayed stuck in envy the whole day.
Other ways to say: Can’t let go of jealousy, feeling trapped
Fun Fact/Origin: “Stuck” means you can’t move or change easily.
Usage: Used when jealousy doesn’t go away.
35. Covered in jealousy
Meaning: So jealous it shows in everything.
Example Sentence:
• She was covered in jealousy when I shared my news.
• His words were covered in jealousy during lunch.
Other ways to say: Totally jealous, full of envy
Fun Fact/Origin: Means jealousy is easy to see, like wearing it.
Usage: Used when jealousy is very clear.
Quiz: Idioms About Jealousy
Instructions: Read each question and the answer choices carefully. Pick the letter that best matches the meaning of the phrase or expression.
Question Key
1. What does “green with envy” mean?
A) You’re happy for someone else
B) You’re very jealous
C) You feel sick
2. What does “eat your heart out” mean?
A) Feel proud of yourself
B) Be super hungry
C) Feel jealous of someone
3. If someone is “burning with jealousy,” how do they feel?
A) Tired
B) Very jealous inside
C) Excited
4. What does “sour grapes” mean?
A) Not liking grapes
B) Acting like you don’t care because you’re jealous
C) Throwing food away
5. What is a “jealous glare”?
A) A happy look
B) A sleepy look
C) A mean or jealous look
6. If someone is “green-eyed,” what are they showing?
A) That they are sick
B) That they are jealous
C) That they are tired
7. What does it mean to “give the cold shoulder” because of jealousy?
A) Offer someone a blanket
B) Hug them tightly
C) Ignore them on purpose
8. What does “bitten by the jealousy bug” mean?
A) Got jealous suddenly
B) Got hurt by a bug
C) Became friends with someone
9. What does “trying to one-up” someone show?
A) Trying to help them
B) Trying to do better than them out of jealousy
C) Giving them a gift
10. What does “smiling on the outside, jealous on the inside” mean?
A) Laughing because of a joke
B) Hiding how jealous you feel
C) Being proud and loud
11. What does “covered in jealousy” mean?
A) Wearing a green shirt
B) Feeling cold
C) Being full of jealousy and showing it
12. If someone is “choking on jealousy,” what are they feeling?
A) Excited and joyful
B) So jealous they can’t speak
C) Sad about the weather
13. What does “green spark in the eyes” show?
A) Sleepiness
B) Excitement
C) A jealous look
Answer Key
- B) You’re very jealous
- C) Feel jealous of someone
- B) Very jealous inside
- B) Acting like you don’t care because you’re jealous
- C) A mean or jealous look
- B) That they are jealous
- C) Ignore them on purpose
- A) Got jealous suddenly
- B) Trying to do better than them out of jealousy
- B) Hiding how jealous you feel
- C) Being full of jealousy and showing it
- B) So jealous they can’t speak
- C) A jealous look
Wrapping Up
Jealousy is a feeling that everyone experiences now and then. Using idioms helps us talk about it in a fun and simple way. These phrases make it easier to share how we feel without sounding too serious or mean.
Learning idioms about jealousy can help us understand others and ourselves better. Next time you feel jealous, try to remember one of these idioms—it might even make you smile.
