Green-eyed monster
English Idiom
Meaning: This phrase refers to the feeling of jealousy or envy that someone might experience when they see others possessing things or achieving goals they desire. It suggests that these emotions can take over someone's thoughts, leading them to act in ways they normally wouldn't.
Origin: The idiom 'green-eyed monster' is often attributed to William Shakespeare, who used it in his play Othello, written in the early 17th century. In the play, the character Iago warns Othello to beware of jealousy by referring to it as the 'green-eyed monster.' The color green has long been associated with envy and jealousy, dating back to ancient times.
Examples
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When Sarah saw her colleague receive the promotion she had been eyeing, the green-eyed monster emerged, making her feel resentful.
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Despite his success, John couldn't help but feel the green-eyed monster when he saw his friend's new luxury car.
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The green-eyed monster reared its head when Emma noticed her best friend getting more attention at the party.
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Watching her rival win the award, the green-eyed monster gnawed at her, filling her with envy.
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The green-eyed monster can strain even the closest of friendships if left unchecked.
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Jealousy is often referred to as the green-eyed monster because it can distort one's perception of reality.
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As he scrolled through social media, the green-eyed monster crept in, making him envy others' seemingly perfect lives.
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The green-eyed monster appeared when she saw her ex-boyfriend with his new partner.
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It's important to recognize when the green-eyed monster is influencing your behavior and take steps to address it.
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The green-eyed monster can lead people to act irrationally, driven by their feelings of envy.
