Idiom B2 Informal

The grass is always greener

Other people's situations always seem better than your own, even when they are not

Meaning

The grass is always greener — Other people's situations always seem better than your own, even when they are not. The full form is 'the grass is always greener on the other side', and it warns against assuming a different life is automatically better.

Origin & History

The image behind this idiom is very old. The Roman poet Ovid described cattle gazing across a fence and imagining that the distant pasture looked richer and more tempting than their own field. That picture of an animal longing for grass it cannot reach captures the feeling of envy at the heart of the phrase.

The modern English wording was popularised in the early 20th century, helped along by a song of that period, and quickly became a familiar proverb. Although the saying is sometimes shortened to "the grass is always greener", the longer version "on the other side" makes the meaning clear: things look better from a distance than they really are.

Example Sentences

SentenceContext
She envied her friend's job, but the grass is always greener on the other side.Comparing careers
He moved to the city for an easier life, only to learn that the grass is always greener.Relocating
Before you change schools, remember the grass is always greener somewhere else.A word of caution
They thought their neighbours had it easy, but the grass is always greener.Envy of others
Switching teams felt exciting at first, yet the grass is always greener on the other side.Workplace change
I almost left my course, but a friend reminded me the grass is always greener.Studying

How to Use It

This idiom is informal and works well in conversation, advice, and casual writing. Use it to warn someone, or yourself, that a different situation only looks more attractive from a distance, and that the new option may bring its own problems. You can use the short form or the fuller "on the other side" ending, depending on the rhythm of the sentence.

Common Mistakes

Mistakes to Avoid

The grass is always greater on the other side.

The grass is always greener on the other side. — The adjective is 'greener', not 'greater'.

The grass is always brighter on the other side.

The grass is always greener on the other side. — The fixed word is 'greener'.

The grass is greener on another side.

The grass is always greener on the other side. — Keep 'always' and 'the other side'.

Similar Idioms

The other side of the fence You want what you can't have Count your blessings Be careful what you wish for All Idioms →

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does "The grass is always greener" mean?
"The grass is always greener" means that other people's situations always seem better than your own, even when they are not. The full form is 'the grass is always greener on the other side'.
Where does the idiom "The grass is always greener" come from?
The idea is ancient and appears in the work of the Roman poet Ovid, who pictured cattle thinking that distant pasture looked richer. The modern English wording was popularised in the early 20th century, partly through a song of that era, and quickly became a common proverb.
Can you give an example of "The grass is always greener" in a sentence?
Here is an example: "He left for a new job thinking it would be perfect, but the grass is always greener — the new role had its own problems." — used to say a different situation only looks better from a distance.
Is "The grass is always greener" formal or informal?
It is informal. As a common proverb it suits everyday conversation and casual writing, but it is best avoided in formal academic or official writing.
What CEFR level is "The grass is always greener"?
This idiom is typically taught at B2 level. It is an upper-intermediate proverb that appears often in spoken English and informal writing when talking about envy or discontent.
What are common mistakes with "The grass is always greener"?
A common mistake is changing the adjective, such as saying 'the grass is always greater'. Another is using the wrong colour idea, such as 'the grass is always brighter'. The fixed phrase is 'the grass is always greener', often followed by 'on the other side'.
What idioms are similar to "The grass is always greener"?
Similar idioms include: The other side of the fence, You want what you can't have, Count your blessings, Be careful what you wish for. These all relate to envy or to valuing what you already have.
How do I practise idioms like "The grass is always greener"?
LexFizz's Flash Cards and Flip Tiles exercises are great for practising English idioms. Try writing your own example sentences using the idiom in context, and listen for it in films, podcasts, and conversations.
Can "The grass is always greener" be used in writing?
Yes, in informal writing, blogs, and journalism. Avoid it in formal academic writing unless you are quoting or discussing the idiom itself. In everyday writing it is a natural and vivid choice.
Does "The grass is always greener" have the same meaning in British and American English?
Yes, "The grass is always greener" is understood in both British and American English with the same meaning: other situations only seem better than your own. The proverb is widely recognised across all major varieties of English.