ɡriːn θʌm
- Literally:
- a thumb that is green in color
What does "green thumb" mean?
a natural talent for growing plants and gardening
Examples
- My grandmother had a green thumb — her garden was always blooming.
- I wish I had a green thumb, but every plant I buy ends up dying.
- You clearly have a green thumb; your balcony garden is gorgeous.
Origin
Possibly from the green algae stains that form on clay pots, transferring to gardeners' hands. The British equivalent is 'green fingers.' The phrase became common in American English by the 1940s.
How to use it
Very commonly used in North America. In British English, 'green fingers' is preferred. Always positive in connotation.
Similar expressions
Opposites
Related idioms
- black and white
clearly defined with no ambiguity
- silver lining
a positive aspect of an otherwise bad situation
- grey area
a situation or topic that is unclear or not well-defined
- give the green light
to give permission or approval to proceed
- black sheep
a member of a group who is considered different or disreputable
- golden opportunity
an excellent or ideal chance that may not come again
Use it in a practice answer
Try "green thumb" in a CELPIP-style Speaking or Writing task. The AI feedback tells you whether your word choice worked.