Yes, "green-eyed" is often used to describe someone who is jealous or envious.
In essence, the phrase "green-eyed" is a figurative expression, and it doesn't literally refer to someone having green eyes. Its meaning is rooted in the association of the color green with feelings of jealousy or envy. This association has historical and cultural roots, with the color green sometimes linked to negative emotions or illness.
The Green-Eyed Monster
The term "green-eyed monster" is a common idiom that explicitly links the color green with jealousy. This phrase, popularized by William Shakespeare in Othello, vividly portrays jealousy as a destructive and monstrous emotion.
Usage Examples
- "She was green-eyed with envy when she saw his new car."
- "Don't let the green-eyed monster ruin your friendship."
- "His success made his competitors green with envy."
Summary
Therefore, the meaning of having "green eyes" (or being "green-eyed") is being jealous or envious of someone or something. It's a common idiom that highlights the negative emotion of envy.
