English idiom

the grass is always greener on the other side

Register · Neutral CEFR B2

Post

Figurative meaning

Other people's situations always seem better than your own.

Why this phrase?

A field's grass looks lusher when viewed from a distance.

Example

“She envies my job, but the grass is always greener on the other side.”

Dictionary details

Tags

Expressions connected by reviewed component words or topic tags.

at the end of the day

ultimately; when everything is considered

on the other hand

used to introduce a contrasting point of view or alternative

overall picture

the complete view of a situation, including all the main parts

pros and cons

the advantages and disadvantages of something

below par

worse than the normal or expected standard

boil down to

to be summarized as or reduced to the most essential point

Source methodology

Meanings, register, CEFR, and examples come from the reviewed dictionary record. Expression notes may describe a reviewed present-day word picture or a background note; they are not presented as verified etymology.

External links

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