grass is always greener on the other side
grass is always greener on the other side
Meaning
- to think that other’s part is better than mine
- to believe that someone else’s life is better their own
- to think that the other person has it easier in a direct competition
- to think that own job is harder than someone else’s
Example Sentences
- The lawyer always thought that the grass is greener on the other side and left his profession to become an MBA graduate. Guess what? He is still struggling to find a job.
- I often think that the grass is greener on the other side but then start counting my own blessings immediately.
- You cannot possibly want to leave your job because you think you can become a singer. The grass is always greener on the side.
- The rich man has plenty of diseases to fight with. You can start being grateful for what you have because the grass always looks greener on the other side.
- I went to check the prospects out because the grass looked greener on that side but did not take up the business opportunity she offered.
Origin
In herds when grazing, there is movement towards what seems to be greener pastures. When people maintain gardens outside their house, they want the grass to be as green as possible. But the truth is that when you look from far away, the grass on the other side looks greener. When you go near it, you find out that it was only an illusion. The phrase originated in the 19th century and is considered a modern day saying.
Similar Idioms
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The phrase “The grass seems greener on the other side” illustrates how people often perceive other situations or possessions as better than their own. For example, if you and I were neighbors with a shared lawn, and we both installed identical turf grass, your grass might appear greener to you compared to your own. Because you see the grass blade sides, my grass looks more vibrant. Look down at your grass to see the soil between the blades. If I were to view your grass from the same perspective, I would see the same effect: your grass would appear greener to me. Essentially, we both perceive the other’s grass as greener because we are viewing it from a different angle and do not see the soil in our own yards.
‒ Jay Hirsch August 2, 2024
The grass is NEVER greener on the other side ’cause everyone is suffering inside. You can look me in the eye and say that you are fine, but I know you are lying. Life isn’t fair. Everyone has a rough life. No one has it easy.
‒ Anonymous April 9, 2021
The idiom does not ring true all the time. One needs to change job if the opportunity presents itself.
‒ Andrew Omo July 16, 2020
I think the grass is always greener from other side because if we see a teacher we think that being a teacher it is very easy but it isn’t in real.☺️
‒ Anonymous October 28, 2019
Don’t put all your eggs in one basket definition. Don’t concentrate all your prospects or resources in one thing or place, or you could lose everything.
‒ Anonymous November 9, 2017