Sometimes, we feel a little upset when someone has something we want. Maybe a friend got a new toy, or someone else was praised for something you did, too. That feeling is called jealousy. It’s normal and happens to everyone. But instead of saying “I’m jealous,” people often use special phrases. These are called idioms.
Idioms are fun and creative ways to say how we feel. They don’t always mean exactly what the words say, but they help others understand us better. In this article, we will explore idioms people use when they feel jealous. You might have heard some of them in movies or shows. Let’s learn what they mean and how you can use them in your own sentences.
Idioms for Jealousy
1. Green with envy
Meaning: Very jealous
Within a Sentence: I was green with envy when I saw her new bike. / He was green with envy over his friend’s cool sneakers.
In Other Words: Super jealous / Wishing it was mine
2. The green-eyed monster
Meaning: A way to describe jealousy
Within a Sentence: The green-eyed monster came out when she saw her sister’s trophy. / He let the green-eyed monster take over after the game.
In Other Words: Got jealous / Felt envy
3. Eat your heart out
Meaning: To feel jealous when someone else does something great
Within a Sentence: I showed my drawing and said, “Eat your heart out!” / She said, “Eat your heart out!” when she got the highest score.
In Other Words: Look at what I did! / You might wish you had this too
4. Turn green
Meaning: Become jealous
Within a Sentence: He turned green when I got picked for the team. / She turned green after seeing my new phone.
In Other Words: Got jealous / Wanted what I had
5. A jealous streak
Meaning: A habit of getting jealous often
Within a Sentence: My friend has a jealous streak whenever I win. / She showed her jealous streak during the game.
In Other Words: Gets jealous easily / Often feels envy
6. Green around the gills (jealous version)
Meaning: Looks jealous or sick with envy
Within a Sentence: He was green around the gills watching us get candy. / She looked green around the gills when I got the prize.
In Other Words: Looked jealous / Didn’t feel happy for me
7. Cry over someone else’s success
Meaning: Be sad because someone else did well
Within a Sentence: He cried over my success at the spelling bee. / She cried over her friend’s good grade.
In Other Words: Upset I did better / Not happy for others
8. Burning with envy
Meaning: Very strongly jealous
Within a Sentence: I was burning with envy when she got picked. / He burned with envy when he saw the new game.
In Other Words: Super jealous / Wishing hard
9. Turn green with jealousy
Meaning: Become really jealous
Within a Sentence: She turned green with jealousy after I won. / He turned green with jealousy when I got a better seat.
In Other Words: Jealous look / Wanted it badly
10. Get jelly (slang for jealous)
Meaning: Act jealous
Within a Sentence: Don’t get jelly just because I have extra candy. / He got jelly when he saw my new shoes.
In Other Words: Don’t be jealous / It’s okay
11. Green-eyed look
Meaning: A look that shows jealousy
Within a Sentence: She gave me a green-eyed look when I was chosen. / He had a green-eyed look when I showed my drawing.
In Other Words: Looked jealous / Wished it was his
12. Stew in your envy
Meaning: Stay jealous and upset
Within a Sentence: He sat there stewing in his envy. / She stewed in her envy instead of cheering for me.
In Other Words: Stayed jealous / Couldn’t let it go
13. Side-eye someone
Meaning: Give a jealous or annoyed look
Within a Sentence: She side-eyed me when I got a compliment. / He gave me side-eye after the teacher praised me.
In Other Words: Gave a jealous look / Didn’t seem happy for me
14. Grumble behind someone’s back
Meaning: Talk in a jealous way when someone isn’t around
Within a Sentence: He grumbled behind my back about my good grade. / She grumbled behind her friend’s back after the party.
In Other Words: Talked badly out of jealousy / Secretly upset
15. Can’t stand someone’s success
Meaning: Feel too jealous to be happy for them
Within a Sentence: He can’t stand my success in class. / She couldn’t stand that I got the prize.
In Other Words: Too jealous to be happy / Didn’t celebrate with me
16. Cold shoulder from jealousy
Meaning: Ignore someone because of jealousy
Within a Sentence: She gave me the cold shoulder after I won. / He gave me a cold shoulder at lunch.
In Other Words: Acted cold / Was jealous and quiet
17. Bark up the jealous tree
Meaning: Show jealousy over something that doesn’t matter
Within a Sentence: He barked up the jealous tree over a silly toy. / Don’t bark up the jealous tree, it’s just a sticker.
In Other Words: Got jealous for no reason / Made a fuss
18. Look like you’ve been left out
Meaning: Appear jealous because others are happy
Within a Sentence: He looked like he’d been left out of the fun. / She looked left out when we shared snacks.
In Other Words: Felt jealous / Wanted to be included
19. Bubble with envy
Meaning: Start to show jealousy slowly
Within a Sentence: I saw her bubble with envy as I opened my gift. / He bubbled with envy when I showed my lunchbox.
In Other Words: Jealous feelings showing / Couldn’t hide it
20. Envy eats you up
Meaning: Jealousy makes you feel worse inside
Within a Sentence: Don’t let envy eat you up, it’s just a toy. / Envy ate her up when she didn’t get picked.
In Other Words: Jealousy hurt / Made her feel bad
21. Stuck in the shadow
Meaning: Feeling jealous because someone else gets more attention
Within a Sentence: He felt stuck in the shadow when his sister got a medal. / I felt stuck in the shadow at the party.
In Other Words: Jealous of their spotlight / Not noticed
22. Green mood
Meaning: Being in a jealous or upset mood
Within a Sentence: She was in a green mood after the teacher praised me. / He stayed in a green mood all day.
In Other Words: Jealous feeling / Not happy
23. Sour grapes
Meaning: Pretending you didn’t want something because you’re jealous
Within a Sentence: She said she didn’t want the role, but it was just sour grapes. / He said the toy was dumb, total sour grapes.
In Other Words: Pretending not to care / Hiding jealousy
24. Burning stare
Meaning: A jealous look
Within a Sentence: I could feel her burning stare during the award show. / His burning stare followed me to lunch.
In Other Words: Gave a jealous look / Couldn’t stop looking
25. Green thoughts
Meaning: Jealous ideas or wishes
Within a Sentence: His mind was full of green thoughts after I got picked. / I had green thoughts about her new shoes.
In Other Words: Felt jealous / Wished I had it
26. Boiling with jealousy
Meaning: Very jealous and unable to hide it
Within a Sentence: He was boiling with jealousy when I scored. / She boiled with jealousy when she didn’t get invited.
In Other Words: Too jealous to hide it / Very upset
27. Eyes full of envy
Meaning: A look that shows you are jealous
Within a Sentence: Her eyes were full of envy at the party. / I saw his eyes full of envy during the prize drawing.
In Other Words: Looked jealous / Couldn’t hide it
28. Grin and envy it
Meaning: Pretend to be happy but really feel jealous
Within a Sentence: I had to grin and envy it when he got the prize. / She grinned and envied when I shared my art.
In Other Words: Pretended to smile / Felt jealous inside
29. Jealousy bug
Meaning: A funny way to say someone is acting jealous
Within a Sentence: She caught the jealousy bug when I wore my new dress. / He had the jealousy bug all morning.
In Other Words: Acting jealous / Feeling envy
30. Heart turns green
Meaning: Start to feel jealous deep inside
Within a Sentence: My heart turned green when I saw their trophies. / Her heart turned green when she heard the score.
In Other Words: Felt really jealous / Wished I had it
31. Green fog
Meaning: Clouded by jealousy
Within a Sentence: He was lost in a green fog after the announcement. / The green fog took over when I saw the prize.
In Other Words: Couldn’t think clearly / Too jealous
32. Sulk in silence
Meaning: Stay quiet because of jealousy
Within a Sentence: She sulked in silence when her friend got the role. / He sat sulking in silence during the party.
In Other Words: Didn’t talk / Was jealous and upset
33. Smile fades
Meaning: Become jealous and unhappy
Within a Sentence: His smile faded when I was called up. / Her smile faded after seeing the score.
In Other Words: Got jealous / Stopped being happy
34. A jealous sigh
Meaning: A sigh that shows you feel left out
Within a Sentence: I let out a jealous sigh when I saw her dress. / He gave a jealous sigh looking at my new watch.
In Other Words: Breathed out jealousy / Wished it was his
35. Hide behind a fake smile
Meaning: Pretend to be happy but really feel jealous
Within a Sentence: She hid behind a fake smile when I won. / He faked a smile at my gift.
In Other Words: Pretended not to be jealous / Didn’t show true feelings
36. Watch with longing
Meaning: Look at something with jealous eyes
Within a Sentence: He watched my toy with longing. / She watched the game with longing from the bench.
In Other Words: Wished she had it / Felt jealous
37. Turn a jealous cheek
Meaning: Look away out of jealousy
Within a Sentence: She turned a jealous cheek when I was picked. / He turned a jealous cheek at lunch.
In Other Words: Didn’t want to look / Was jealous
38. Choke on jealousy
Meaning: So jealous it’s hard to speak or react
Within a Sentence: I choked on jealousy watching the show. / She choked on jealousy when I was praised.
In Other Words: Couldn’t hide her envy / Felt stuck
39. Clench with envy
Meaning: Tighten up from feeling jealous
Within a Sentence: He clenched with envy when I scored. / She clenched with envy during the spelling bee.
In Other Words: Felt tight inside / Got jealous
40. Envy in the air
Meaning: Everyone around feels a little jealous
Within a Sentence: There was envy in the air after the big announcement. / Envy filled the room when I opened my gift.
In Other Words: Everyone felt jealous / Could feel the envy
41. Eyes turn cold
Meaning: Eyes show jealousy or dislike
Within a Sentence: Her eyes turned cold when I got the attention. / His eyes turned cold after I won the prize.
In Other Words: Gave a jealous look / Didn’t look happy
42. Green chill
Meaning: A quiet, jealous feeling
Within a Sentence: A green chill passed through her when she saw my trophy. / He felt a green chill when I got picked.
In Other Words: A soft jealous moment / Quiet jealousy
43. Jealous spark
Meaning: A quick feeling of jealousy
Within a Sentence: I saw a jealous spark in his eyes. / She felt a jealous spark when I opened the gift.
In Other Words: A flash of envy / Small moment of jealousy
44. Voice of envy
Meaning: A jealous tone in how someone talks
Within a Sentence: His voice of envy came through when he spoke. / I heard the envy in her voice.
In Other Words: Sounded jealous / Could tell by the voice
45. Frozen smile
Meaning: A fake smile caused by jealousy
Within a Sentence: She gave a frozen smile after I was praised. / His frozen smile didn’t fool anyone.
In Other Words: Not real / Smiling while jealous
46. Peek of envy
Meaning: A small jealous look
Within a Sentence: I caught a peek of envy from him. / Her peek of envy was quick but clear.
In Other Words: Tiny jealous look / Short moment
47. Green storm
Meaning: A strong jealous reaction
Within a Sentence: A green storm hit her face when I got the part. / He had a green storm after the award.
In Other Words: Big jealous reaction / Very upset
48. Watch from the sidelines
Meaning: Be left out and feel jealous
Within a Sentence: I had to watch from the sidelines during the fun game. / She watched from the sidelines, looking sad.
In Other Words: Not included / Felt left out
49. Jealous frown
Meaning: A face that shows envy
Within a Sentence: His jealous frown showed how he felt. / She wore a jealous frown when I showed my work.
In Other Words: Unhappy face / Felt envy
50. Squeeze of envy
Meaning: A quick, strong feeling of jealousy
Within a Sentence: I felt a squeeze of envy when she got the prize. / He had a squeeze of envy in his heart.
In Other Words: Quick jealousy / Sharp feeling
51. Words dipped in envy
Meaning: Talking in a jealous way
Within a Sentence: Her words were dipped in envy when she spoke. / He said it with words dipped in envy.
In Other Words: Spoke with jealousy / Not happy for others
52. Green echo
Meaning: A lasting jealous feeling
Within a Sentence: The green echo stayed after I left the room. / His green echo followed me during the day.
In Other Words: Long-lasting envy / Still feeling jealous
53. Drift into jealousy
Meaning: Slowly start to feel jealous
Within a Sentence: I drifted into jealousy as they opened gifts. / She drifted into jealousy while watching us play.
In Other Words: Jealousy came slowly / Started to feel bad
54. Behind jealous eyes
Meaning: Hidden feelings of envy
Within a Sentence: Behind her jealous eyes, she wished it was hers. / He smiled, but behind jealous eyes, he was sad.
In Other Words: Secret jealousy / Not showing it
55. Painted with envy
Meaning: Looking clearly jealous
Within a Sentence: His face was painted with envy. / Her cheeks were painted with envy during the party.
In Other Words: Could clearly see the jealousy
56. Stirred by jealousy
Meaning: Moved or changed because of envy
Within a Sentence: She was stirred by jealousy and walked away. / His mood was stirred by jealousy.
In Other Words: Jealousy changed how he felt / Moved by envy
57. Eyes shout jealousy
Meaning: Eyes clearly show jealous feelings
Within a Sentence: His eyes shouted jealousy when I was picked. / Her eyes shouted jealousy during the contest.
In Other Words: Clear signs of envy / Very jealous look
58. Quiet envy
Meaning: Soft but real jealousy
Within a Sentence: I saw her quiet envy while we opened gifts. / His quiet envy was hard to miss.
In Other Words: Soft jealousy / Still felt bad
59. Breathing envy
Meaning: Completely full of jealousy
Within a Sentence: He was breathing envy after the game. / She stood there breathing envy as I walked by.
In Other Words: Very jealous / All feelings were envy
60. Filled with the green light
Meaning: Full of jealous feelings
Within a Sentence: She was filled with the green light watching my win. / He felt the green light when he didn’t get picked.
In Other Words: Very jealous / Heart full of envy
Idioms for Jealousy – True/False Quiz
- If someone is “green with envy,” it means they are feeling very jealous.
True / False - Saying “eat your heart out” means you feel proud and want to show off.
True / False - “The green-eyed monster” is a friendly pet you can adopt.
True / False - If someone gives you a “side-eye,” they might be feeling jealous or annoyed.
True / False - “Burning with envy” means someone is really happy for you.
True / False - If your friend has a “jealous streak,” they never feel jealous at all.
True / False - A “frozen smile” can mean someone is smiling but not truly happy.
True / False - If someone is “boiling with jealousy,” they are probably calm and relaxed.
True / False - “Sour grapes” means pretending something you want isn’t actually good.
True / False - When you feel “envy eats you up,” you are full of happy thoughts.
True / False - A “jealous sigh” means someone is breathing out because they’re proud.
True / False - “Green fog” means someone is thinking clearly and feels great.
True / False - “Clenching with envy” means feeling jealous deep inside.
True / False - If someone has “jealous eyes,” they’re happy for your success.
True / False - “Drifting into jealousy” means you slowly start to feel left out or envious.
True / False
Answer Key
- True
- True
- False
- True
- False
- False
- True
- False
- True
- False
- False
- False
- True
- False
- True
Scoring Guide
- 15 Correct Answers: Jealousy Idioms Master!
- 10–14 Correct Answers: You really get these idioms, nice work!
- 6–9 Correct Answers: You’re learning, keep going!
- 0–5 Correct Answers: Let’s learn about jealousy idioms together!
Conclusion
Jealousy is a feeling we all have sometimes. Maybe it happens when someone else gets something we wanted. Instead of always saying, “I feel jealous,” people often use idioms. These idioms are short phrases that help show how we feel in fun and clear ways.
Now you know many idioms people use when they feel jealous. You’ve seen how they sound and what they mean. Try using a few of them when you speak or write. It can help you share your feelings better and understand what others mean, too.
