ɡræs ɪz ˈɔːlweɪz ˈɡriːnər ɒn ðə ˈʌðər saɪd
Nature & Weather
neutral
beginner
- Literally:
- Grass appears more verdant on the opposite side of a fence
What does "grass is always greener on the other side" mean?
- Other people's situations seem better than one's own
- People tend to want what they don't have
Examples
- He thinks moving to a new city will solve his problems, but the grass is always greener on the other side.
- She left her job thinking she'd be happier elsewhere, but learned the grass isn't always greener.
- Remember, the grass is always greener—appreciate what you have.
Origin
From the observation that distant grass often appears greener than nearby grass due to perspective. The full proverb dates to the 16th century.
How to use it
Used to caution against envy or unrealistic expectations. Often shortened to 'the grass is always greener.'
Similar expressions
the other man's grass is always greener
envy of others
Opposites
content with what you have
gratitude
Related idioms
- out of the blue
Unexpectedly; without warning
- beat around the bush
To avoid talking about the main point of a conversation
- every cloud has a silver lining
There is something positive in every negative situation
- go with the flow
To accept things as they are and adapt accordingly
- once in a blue moon
Very rarely; almost never
- tip of the iceberg
A small visible part of a much larger hidden problem
Use it in a practice answer
Try "grass is always greener on the other side" in a CELPIP-style Speaking or Writing task. The AI feedback tells you whether your word choice worked.