Idioms for Jealousy: A Comprehensive Guide

Jealousy, a complex and often uncomfortable emotion, frequently finds its expression through colorful idioms in the English language. Understanding these idioms is crucial for comprehending nuanced communication and avoiding misinterpretations.

This article provides a comprehensive exploration of idioms related to jealousy, explaining their meanings, origins, and appropriate usage. It is designed for English language learners, writers, and anyone interested in expanding their understanding of idiomatic expressions.

By mastering these idioms, you can enhance your communication skills and gain a deeper appreciation for the richness of the English language.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Definition of Idioms for Jealousy
• Structural Breakdown of Jealousy Idioms
• Types and Categories of Jealousy Idioms
  • Green-Related Idioms
  • Animal-Related Idioms
  • Fire-Related Idioms
  • General Jealousy Idioms
• Examples of Idioms for Jealousy
  • Green-Related Examples
  • Animal-Related Examples
  • Fire-Related Examples
  • General Jealousy Examples
• Usage Rules for Jealousy Idioms
• Common Mistakes with Jealousy Idioms
• Practice Exercises
• Advanced Topics in Jealousy Idioms
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Conclusion

Definition of Idioms for Jealousy

An idiom is a phrase or expression whose meaning cannot be understood from the ordinary meanings of the individual words. Instead, the phrase has a figurative meaning that is known through common usage.

Idioms for jealousy are expressions that convey the feeling of envy, resentment, or suspicion towards someone else’s possessions, achievements, or relationships. These idioms often employ metaphors and similes to vividly illustrate the intensity and nature of jealousy.

Idioms related to jealousy serve as a powerful tool in communication. They allow speakers and writers to express complex emotions in a concise and relatable manner.

By using idioms, individuals can convey not only the presence of jealousy but also its degree and impact on their thoughts and actions. These expressions add color and depth to language, making it more engaging and expressive.

Structural Breakdown of Jealousy Idioms

Jealousy idioms vary in their structure, but many follow common patterns. They often include:

• Metaphors: Using an object or concept to represent jealousy (e.g., “green-eyed monster”).
• Similes: Comparing jealousy to something else (e.g., “eaten up with jealousy”).
• Verbs: Actions associated with jealousy (e.g., “burn with envy”).
• Adjectives: Describing the feeling of jealousy (e.g., “consumed by jealousy”).

Understanding the structural components of these idioms helps in recognizing and interpreting their meaning. For example, the idiom “green with envy” combines the color green (often associated with sickness or inexperience) with the emotion of envy, creating a vivid image of someone overwhelmed by jealousy.

Types and Categories of Jealousy Idioms

Jealousy idioms can be categorized based on their central metaphor or imagery. Here are some common categories:

Green-Related Idioms

Green is a color often associated with envy and jealousy. These idioms draw on this association to express feelings of resentment or bitterness.

Animal-Related Idioms

Some idioms use animal imagery to depict jealousy, often portraying it as a primal or instinctive emotion. These idioms can emphasize the possessive or territorial aspects of jealousy.

Fire-Related Idioms

Fire represents intense emotions, including jealousy. These idioms convey the burning, consuming nature of envy and resentment.

General Jealousy Idioms

This category includes idioms that express jealousy without relying on specific metaphors like colors, animals, or fire. They often describe the feeling of jealousy in more general terms.

Examples of Idioms for Jealousy

The following sections provide examples of jealousy idioms, categorized by their central metaphor.

Green-Related Examples

These idioms all utilize the color green to symbolize envy or jealousy. The color green has been linked to envy since ancient times, possibly due to its association with biliousness or sickness.

The table below provides examples of green-related idioms expressing jealousy.

Idiom	Meaning	Example Sentence
Green with envy	Extremely jealous or envious.	She was green with envy when she saw his new car.
Green-eyed monster	Jealousy personified; a jealous person.	Jealousy, the green-eyed monster, consumed him when his friend got the promotion.
See green	To become jealous or envious.	When he saw his ex with someone else, he started to see green.
A touch of the green-eyed monster	A slight feeling of jealousy.	I felt a touch of the green-eyed monster when I heard about her vacation.
Turn green with envy	To become very jealous.	She turned green with envy when she learned about his inheritance.
Seething with green-eyed jealousy	Filled with intense and barely controlled jealousy.	He was seething with green-eyed jealousy as he watched his rival succeed.
Feeling green around the gills	Looking unwell due to jealousy or envy. (Can also mean simply feeling sick)	After hearing about her success, he was feeling green around the gills.
The green-eyed monster rears its ugly head	Jealousy becomes apparent or active.	The green-eyed monster reared its ugly head when she started spending time with another man.
Overcome with the green-eyed monster	Completely controlled by jealousy.	He was overcome with the green-eyed monster and couldn’t think straight.
Suffering from the green-eyed monster	Experiencing the negative effects of jealousy.	She was suffering from the green-eyed monster, constantly questioning his loyalty.
Battling the green-eyed monster	Trying to overcome feelings of jealousy.	He was battling the green-eyed monster, trying to be happy for his friend.
A victim of the green-eyed monster	Someone negatively affected by their own jealousy.	She became a victim of the green-eyed monster, pushing away those she loved.
To be consumed by the green-eyed monster	Jealousy completely dominates one’s thoughts and actions.	He was consumed by the green-eyed monster, unable to focus on anything else.
The green-eyed monster strikes	Jealousy suddenly arises.	The green-eyed monster struck when he saw his colleague’s promotion.
Escape the clutches of the green-eyed monster	To successfully overcome jealousy.	She managed to escape the clutches of the green-eyed monster by focusing on her own goals.
Drowning in a sea of green-eyed jealousy	Feeling overwhelmed by intense jealousy.	He felt like he was drowning in a sea of green-eyed jealousy when he saw them together.
The green-eyed monster whispering in your ear	Jealousy influencing your thoughts and actions.	The green-eyed monster was whispering in his ear, making him suspicious of his partner.
A case of the green-eyed monster	An instance or episode of jealousy.	It was just a case of the green-eyed monster; he apologized later.
Living with the green-eyed monster	Constantly experiencing jealousy in a relationship or situation.	Living with the green-eyed monster was exhausting; he needed to address his insecurities.
Wrestling with the green-eyed monster	Struggling to control feelings of jealousy.	She spent the evening wrestling with the green-eyed monster, trying to trust her boyfriend.
Succumb to the green-eyed monster	To give in to feelings of jealousy and let them control your actions.	Despite her best efforts, she eventually succumbed to the green-eyed monster and ruined the friendship.
Being haunted by the green-eyed monster	To be constantly plagued by feelings of jealousy.	He was haunted by the green-eyed monster, constantly questioning his wife’s fidelity.
The poison of the green-eyed monster	The destructive effects of jealousy on relationships and well-being.	The poison of the green-eyed monster had seeped into their marriage, eroding trust and affection.

Animal-Related Examples

These idioms use animal metaphors to describe jealousy, often highlighting its possessive or aggressive nature.

The table below provides examples of animal-related idioms expressing jealousy.

Idiom	Meaning	Example Sentence
Dog in the manger	Someone who prevents others from using something they don’t need themselves, often out of spite or jealousy.	He’s such a dog in the manger; he won’t let anyone else use the equipment, even though he’s not using it himself.
Cat fight	A fierce argument or physical fight between women, often fueled by jealousy or rivalry.	There was a real cat fight between the two actresses over who would get the leading role.
Like a hawk	Watching someone or something very closely, often out of jealousy or suspicion.	He watched her like a hawk whenever she spoke to other men.
Lion’s share	The largest portion of something, often received unfairly due to power or influence, leading to jealousy.	The CEO took the lion’s share of the profits, leaving the employees feeling resentful.
Peacocking	Behaving in a boastful or flamboyant manner to attract attention, often provoking jealousy in others.	He was peacocking around, showing off his new watch to everyone in the office.
Viper in the bosom	Someone who is secretly treacherous or ungrateful, causing harm from within a close relationship, often provoking jealousy and betrayal.	He realized his trusted friend was a viper in the bosom when he discovered the betrayal.
Wolf in sheep’s clothing	Someone who appears harmless but is actually dangerous or deceitful, potentially stirring jealousy and mistrust.	She seemed so kind at first, but he later realized she was a wolf in sheep’s clothing.
Henpecked	A man who is constantly nagged and controlled by his wife, sometimes leading to jealousy from other men.	The other men teased him for being henpecked, but he didn’t seem to mind.
Like a caged animal	Restless and agitated due to jealousy or feeling trapped in a situation.	He paced the room like a caged animal, consumed by jealousy and suspicion.
Sly as a fox	Cunning and deceitful, potentially manipulating situations to incite jealousy.	She was as sly as a fox, always finding ways to make her rivals jealous.
Buzzard mentality	A negative and envious attitude, focusing on the flaws and failures of others out of jealousy.	His buzzard mentality made him constantly criticize his colleagues’ work.
Eagles eyes	Watching something closely with jealousy and suspicion.	She kept eagle eyes on her boyfriend when he went out with his friends.
Stalking horse	Someone used to conceal another person’s intentions, often leading to jealousy when the true plan is revealed.	He realized he had been used as a stalking horse when his colleague got the promotion he wanted.
Bee in one’s bonnet	An obsessive idea or concern, often related to jealousy or suspicion.	He had a bee in his bonnet about his wife’s supposed infidelity.
Cat got your tongue?	A question asked when someone is unusually silent, implying they may be hiding something due to jealousy or embarrassment.	“Cat got your tongue?” she asked, noticing his uncharacteristic silence after the announcement.
Smell a rat	To suspect something is wrong or deceitful, often due to jealousy or mistrust.	He smelled a rat when he saw them whispering together in the corner.
Mad as a hornet	Extremely angry or agitated, often due to jealousy or frustration.	He was mad as a hornet when he found out he had been passed over for the promotion.
Like a fish out of water	Feeling uncomfortable or out of place, potentially leading to jealousy of those who fit in.	She felt like a fish out of water at the exclusive party, envying the ease with which others socialized.
Chicken out	To back out of something due to fear or lack of confidence, potentially leading to jealousy of those who are brave enough to proceed.	He chickened out of the presentation, feeling jealous of his colleague’s confidence.
Cry wolf	To raise false alarms, potentially to incite jealousy or create drama.	She was always crying wolf, trying to get attention by exaggerating her problems.
Let the cat out of the bag	To reveal a secret, potentially causing jealousy or conflict.	He let the cat out of the bag about their surprise party, ruining the effect.
Hold your horses	To tell someone to slow down or be patient, often when they are acting out of jealousy or impulsiveness.	“Hold your horses,” she said, “let’s think about this before we react.”
A sitting duck	Someone vulnerable to attack or criticism, potentially leading to jealousy from rivals.	Without the support of his team, he felt like a sitting duck.

Fire-Related Examples

These idioms use fire as a metaphor for the intense, consuming nature of jealousy.

The table below provides examples of fire-related idioms expressing jealousy.

Idiom	Meaning	Example Sentence
Burning with envy	Feeling intense jealousy or envy.	She was burning with envy when she saw his success.
Seething with jealousy	Filled with intense and barely controlled jealousy.	He was seething with jealousy as he watched his rival succeed.
Consumed by jealousy	Completely dominated by feelings of jealousy.	He was consumed by jealousy, unable to think about anything else.
A fire of jealousy	A strong and destructive feeling of jealousy.	A fire of jealousy burned within him as he watched her dance with another man.
Igniting jealousy	Causing or provoking feelings of jealousy.	Her flirtatious behavior was igniting jealousy in her boyfriend.
Fanning the flames of jealousy	Making feelings of jealousy stronger or more intense.	His constant bragging was fanning the flames of jealousy among his colleagues.
Smoldering with jealousy	Feeling jealousy that is present but not openly expressed.	She was smoldering with jealousy, masking her true feelings with a polite smile.
Extinguishing the flames of jealousy	Trying to overcome or suppress feelings of jealousy.	He tried to extinguish the flames of jealousy by focusing on his own achievements.
Playing with fire	Taking a risky action that could provoke jealousy or conflict.	She was playing with fire by flirting with his best friend.
A spark of jealousy	A small or initial feeling of jealousy.	He felt a spark of jealousy when he saw her talking to another man.
Fueling the fire of jealousy	Adding to or intensifying feelings of jealousy.	Her success was fueling the fire of jealousy within him.
The heat of jealousy	The intense and uncomfortable feeling of jealousy.	He could feel the heat of jealousy rising within him.
Burnt by jealousy	Having been negatively affected by one’s own or someone else’s jealousy.	He had been burnt by jealousy in the past and was determined to avoid it in the future.
The embers of jealousy	Remaining feelings of jealousy that linger after the initial intensity has passed.	Even after they reconciled, the embers of jealousy still remained.
A wildfire of jealousy	An uncontrolled and rapidly spreading feeling of jealousy.	A wildfire of jealousy swept through the office when the new intern arrived.
Stoke the flames of jealousy	Intentionally provoke or increase feelings of jealousy in someone.	He tried to stoke the flames of jealousy by hinting at other romantic interests.
Like wildfire	Spreading quickly and uncontrollably, as jealousy can spread through a group.	The rumors spread through the office like wildfire, creating a tense atmosphere.
On fire with jealousy	Extremely jealous and passionate.	She was on fire with jealousy, convinced that her boyfriend was cheating on her.
Douse the flames of jealousy	To suppress or extinguish feelings of jealousy.	He tried to douse the flames of jealousy by reminding himself of his partner’s love.
A slow burn	A gradual increase in jealousy over time.	His jealousy was a slow burn, building up over months of perceived slights.
Up in flames	Ruined or destroyed by jealousy or conflict.	Their relationship went up in flames after the affair was discovered.
Inferno of jealousy	An extremely intense and destructive feeling of jealousy.	He was trapped in an inferno of jealousy, unable to escape his own bitter thoughts.
Playing with fire	Engaging in behavior that could provoke jealousy or dangerous consequences.	She was playing with fire by flirting with her coworker in front of her husband.

General Jealousy Examples

These idioms express jealousy in a more general way, without relying on specific metaphors like colors, animals, or fire.

The table below provides examples of general idioms expressing jealousy.

Idiom	Meaning	Example Sentence
Eaten up with jealousy	Completely consumed by feelings of jealousy.	She was eaten up with jealousy when she saw him with another woman.
Bitten by the bug of jealousy	To start feeling jealous.	He was bitten by the bug of jealousy when his friend got a better job.
Jealous rage	Intense anger fueled by jealousy.	He flew into a jealous rage when he found out about her past relationship.
Suspicious mind	A tendency to be suspicious, often due to jealousy or insecurity.	His suspicious mind made it difficult for him to trust anyone.
Possessive streak	A tendency to be overly possessive, often due to jealousy.	She had a possessive streak that made her constantly worry about losing him.
Heart filled with envy	Feeling intense jealousy and resentment towards someone else.	Her heart was filled with envy when she saw her friend’s beautiful new home.
Sick with envy	Feeling physically ill due to jealousy.	He was sick with envy when he heard about his colleague’s promotion.
Wallowing in self-pity	Feeling sorry for oneself due to jealousy or perceived unfairness.	She was wallowing in self-pity after being rejected for the role.
Bitter pill to swallow	A difficult or unpleasant situation to accept, often due to jealousy or disappointment.	It was a bitter pill to swallow when he realized he had been replaced.
Sour grapes	Claiming to dislike something because you cannot have it, often out of jealousy.	He said he didn’t want the job anyway, but it was just sour grapes.
Have a chip on one’s shoulder	Being resentful or bitter due to perceived unfairness, often leading to jealousy.	He had a chip on his shoulder because he felt he had been overlooked for promotions.
Keep up with the Joneses	Trying to match or exceed the possessions and achievements of one’s neighbors, often driven by jealousy.	They were always trying to keep up with the Joneses, buying expensive cars and houses.
A thorn in one’s side	A constant source of irritation or annoyance, often due to jealousy or rivalry.	His competitor was a thorn in his side, constantly trying to undermine him.
Want what someone else has	To desire what someone else possesses, often leading to jealousy.	He couldn’t help but want what someone else had – a loving family and a successful career.
Comparing apples to oranges	Making an unfair comparison that leads to jealousy or dissatisfaction.	She was comparing apples to oranges, feeling jealous of her friend’s artistic talent when she was skilled in math.
A rival in love	Someone who is competing for the same romantic interest, leading to jealousy.	He saw his former best friend as a rival in love.
A painful reminder	Something that reminds one of a loss or unfulfilled desire, often triggering jealousy.	Seeing her ex with someone else was a painful reminder of their broken relationship.
An object of envy	Someone or something that is admired and desired by others, often provoking jealousy.	Her success made her an object of envy among her peers.
Gnawing feeling	A persistent and uncomfortable feeling of jealousy or unease.	He had a gnawing feeling that she was hiding something from him.
With a jaundiced eye	Viewing something with suspicion or cynicism, often due to jealousy.	He looked at her success with a jaundiced eye, convinced that she had cheated.
Suffer fools gladly	To be impatient with those considered unintelligent, often due to jealousy of their perceived success.	He didn’t suffer fools gladly, especially those who achieved success without putting in the work.
Get one’s due	To receive what one deserves, often leading to jealousy if someone else receives more.	He felt that his colleague was finally getting his due after years of hard work.
One-upmanship	The practice of trying to outdo others, often driven by jealousy and a desire for superiority.	The office was filled with one-upmanship as colleagues competed for recognition.

Usage Rules for Jealousy Idioms

When using idioms for jealousy, it’s important to consider the following:

• Context: Ensure the idiom is appropriate for the situation and audience.
• Tone: Be mindful of the tone conveyed by the idiom. Some idioms are more humorous or lighthearted, while others are more serious.
• Accuracy: Use the idiom correctly to avoid miscommunication. Refer to a dictionary or reliable source if you’re unsure of its meaning.
• Overuse: Avoid overuse of idioms, as it can make your writing or speech sound cliché.

Understanding the nuances of each idiom is key to using it effectively. For example, “green with envy” is a common and relatively mild expression of jealousy, while “consumed by jealousy” suggests a more intense and destructive emotion.

Common Mistakes with Jealousy Idioms

Here are some common mistakes to avoid when using idioms for jealousy:

• Misinterpreting the meaning: Using an idiom in the wrong context due to a misunderstanding of its meaning.
• Literal interpretation: Taking the idiom literally instead of understanding its figurative meaning.
• Incorrect wording: Altering the wording of the idiom, which can change its meaning or make it nonsensical.

Correct vs. Incorrect Examples:

Incorrect	Correct
She was blue with envy.	She was green with envy.
He was eating by jealousy.	He was eaten up with jealousy.
Burning of envy.	Burning with envy.

Practice Exercises

Test your understanding of idioms for jealousy with these exercises.

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks

Fill in the blanks with the appropriate idiom for jealousy from the list below.

Idiom List: green with envy, dog in the manger, burning with envy, eaten up with jealousy, suspicious mind

Question	Answer
1. She was __________ when she saw his new car.	green with envy
2. He’s such a __________; he won’t let anyone else use the equipment.	dog in the manger
3. She was __________ when she saw him with another woman.	eaten up with jealousy
4. He was __________ when he saw her success.	burning with envy
5. His __________ made it difficult for him to trust anyone.	suspicious mind
6. After losing the competition, she was __________.	green with envy
7. He acted like a __________ refusing to share his notes with anyone.	dog in the manger
8. She became __________ because of her partner’s success.	eaten up with jealousy
9. The artist was __________ when he saw his rival’s painting.	burning with envy
10. Because of his __________, he always questioned her whereabouts.	suspicious mind

Exercise 2: Matching

Match the idiom with its correct meaning.

Idiom	Meaning
1. Green-eyed monster	a. Feeling intense jealousy
2. Seething with jealousy	b. Filled with barely controlled jealousy
3. Bitten by the bug of jealousy	c. Jealousy personified
4. Sour grapes	d. Claiming to dislike something you can’t have
5. Possessive streak	e. Tendency to be overly possessive
6. Consumed by jealousy	f. Completely dominated by jealousy
7. Burning with envy	g. Feeling intense jealousy or envy
8. Heart filled with envy	h. Feeling intense jealousy and resentment
9. A fire of jealousy	i. A strong and destructive feeling of jealousy
10. The heat of jealousy	j. The intense and uncomfortable feeling of jealousy

Answers: 1-c, 2-b, 3-a, 4-d, 5-e, 6-f, 7-g, 8-h, 9-i, 10-j

Exercise 3: Sentence Completion

Complete the following sentences using an appropriate idiom related to jealousy.

Question	Answer
1. Seeing her ex with someone else made her __________.	green with envy
2. He refused to let anyone else use his tools; he was acting like a __________.	dog in the manger
3. She was so __________ that she couldn’t focus on her own work.	eaten up with jealousy
4. The artist was __________ when he saw his rival’s masterpiece.	burning with envy
5. Because of his __________, he always suspected his partner of cheating.	suspicious mind
6. She said she didn’t want the promotion, but it was just __________.	sour grapes
7. After being rejected, he __________ in self-pity.	wallowed
8. She has a __________ that makes her cling to her partner.	possessive streak
9. He couldn’t stand seeing her with another man; he was __________.	seething with jealousy
10. When he saw his friend’s new house, he was __________ the bug of jealousy.	bitten by

Advanced Topics in Jealousy Idioms

For advanced learners, consider exploring the following:

• Cultural variations: How jealousy is expressed in different cultures and languages.
• Literary usage: How authors use jealousy idioms to create vivid imagery and character development.
• Psychological aspects: The psychological roots of jealousy and how they are reflected in language.

Analyzing the use of jealousy idioms in literature can provide valuable insights into their meaning and impact. For example, Shakespeare’s use of the “green-eyed monster” in Othello is a powerful depiction of the destructive nature of jealousy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about idioms for jealousy:

1. What is the origin of the idiom “green with envy”?

   The association of green with envy dates back to ancient times. Some believe it’s linked to the idea that bile, a greenish-yellow fluid associated with sickness, was thought to be produced when someone experienced envy or jealousy. Therefore, “green with envy” suggests a feeling of being physically ill due to jealousy.

2. Is it appropriate to use jealousy idioms in formal writing?

   While idioms can add color to writing, it’s important to use them judiciously in formal contexts. Consider your audience and the overall

   tone of your writing. In general, it’s best to avoid idioms in highly formal or academic writing unless they are used intentionally for a specific effect.

3. How can I improve my understanding of idioms?

   The best way to improve your understanding of idioms is through exposure and practice. Read widely, listen to native speakers, and pay attention to how idioms are used in context. You can also use online resources and idiom dictionaries to look up unfamiliar expressions.

4. Are there any idioms that are similar in meaning to “green with envy”?

   Yes, there are several idioms that convey a similar meaning to “green with envy,” such as “burning with envy,” “eaten up with jealousy,” and “heart filled with envy.” The specific idiom you choose will depend on the nuance you want to convey.

5. How do I avoid misusing jealousy idioms?

   To avoid misusing jealousy idioms, take the time to understand their precise meaning and usage. Look up unfamiliar idioms in a dictionary or online resource, and pay attention to how they are used in context. When in doubt, it’s better to use a more straightforward expression.

Conclusion

Idioms for jealousy offer a rich and varied way to express this complex emotion. By understanding the meanings, origins, and usage rules of these idioms, you can enhance your communication skills and gain a deeper appreciation for the English language.

Whether you’re a student, writer, or language enthusiast, mastering these expressions will undoubtedly enrich your vocabulary and improve your ability to convey nuanced emotions. Remember to practice using these idioms in context and to be mindful of your audience and tone.

With consistent effort, you can confidently and accurately express feelings of jealousy using the colorful and expressive idioms of the English language.