green (redirected from greened)

be green about/around the gills (humorous)

to look ill, as if you are going to vomit. He was out drinking last night, was he? I thought he looked a bit green about the gills this morning.

See also: about, around

be green with envy

to wish very much that you had something that another person has. Sharon's going off to the south of France for three weeks and we're all green with envy.

See also: envy

get the green light

give someone/something the green light - to give permission for someone to do something or for something to happen. As soon as we get the green light from the council we'll start building. (often + from)

See also: light

give someone/something the green light

to give permission for someone to do something or for something to happen. They've just been given the green light to build two new supermarkets in the region. (often + to do something) The local prefect has given the green light to the dam at Serre de la Fare. (often + to)

See also: give, light

the green-eyed monster (humorous)

the feeling of being jealous. Do you think his criticisms of Jack are valid or is it just a case of the green-eyed monster?

See also: monster

green-fingered (British & Australian, American)

have green fingers - to be good at keeping plants healthy and making them grow. There's plenty of rainfall from winter through to early spring, which makes it popular with green-fingered gardeners.

have green fingers (British & Australian, American)

to be good at keeping plants healthy and making them grow. I'm afraid I don't have green fingers. I've killed every plant I've ever owned. I was just admiring your beautiful plants, Helen. You must have a green thumb.

See also: finger

the rub of the green (mainly British)

if you have the rub of the green, you have good luck, especially in a sports competition. This player hasn't had the rub of the green in the last few tournaments.

See also: rub

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give someone/something the green light

to give permission for something to happen. She's waiting for her doctor to give her the green light to play in Saturday's game.

Usage notes: also used in the form give a green light: The House of Representatives gave a green light to oil exploration off the East Coast.

See also: give, light

green with envy

wishing very much that you had what someone else has. Sharon's going off to the south of France for three weeks and we're all green with envy.

See also: envy