Colour Idioms
Here is a list of colour idioms. Each idiom is followed by its meaning/definition and example sentences.
Black out: loss of electricity; complete darkening of a room when lights are put out; sudden loss of memory
- Yesterday’s black out was due to unexpected problems with electricity production.
Go green with envy
To go green with envy is to be very jealous of objects belonging to other people.
- Susie will go green with envy when she sees your new car.
Be yellow
Be a coward
- Don’t expect him to come to your rescue when you are in trouble. He’s yellow.
Red tap
Delay in public affairs because there is too much attention to rules
- A lot of people want to adopt babies. It is the red tape that discourages them.
Black sheep
Person of bad character
- James was neither brilliant nor hardworking. His Dad always treated him like a black sheep.
Roll out the red carpet
Give the best treatment
- Mr. Mathews is going to take over as the next chairman. Be sure to roll out the red carpet when he arrives.
Green belt
The countryside around a city
- We are planning to buy a new home in the green belt.
Black and white
When something is black and white, it is clear, simple and understandable.
- The situation is not as black and white as you think.
Feel blue
To feel blue is to be depressed
- I’m feeling rather blue these days. I must really find something to cheer me up.
White lie
A small insignificant lie
- There is no harm in telling a white lie.
Give the green light
To give the green light is to approve a project.
- The project can’t start until the government gives the green light.
