12 more English colour idioms to make your writing more exciting – others will surely be green with envy
- From ‘red herring’ to ‘white elephant’, these phrases will definitely bring some colour to any essay or story
- Learn what these terms mean and how to use them in a sentence
Pick up some more idioms that will help your words come alive. Illustration: ShutterstockNeed something vibrant to brighten up a dull essay or story that you’re working on? A striking idiom could be just what your writing needs. Not only are we offering you a list of 12 exciting phrases related to colours, but we will also show you how to use them correctly.
Check out our previous list of 33 colour idioms to add to your essays
Red
1. Red herring
Meaning: a clue or piece of information that is, or is intended to be, misleading or distracting
Example: In most mystery novels, the most obvious suspect is often a red herring meant to lead readers to a false conclusion – this makes the final reveal even more exciting.
2. Red-letter day
Meaning: a day that is pleasantly noteworthy or memorable
Example: Eileen Gu had a red-letter day when she clinched gold at the Olympics.
Green
3. Green around the gills
Meaning: (of a person) looking or feeling unwell or nauseous
Example: When Timothy got off the roller-coaster ride, he was looking a bit green around the gills.
4. Green with envy
Meaning: to be very jealous
Example: Paul’s friends were green with envy after he got the chance to meet Adele backstage.
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Blue
5. Blue bloods
Meaning: a person of noble birth
Example: The children of the city’s blue bloods typically attend private schools.
6. Blue-collar
Meaning: relating to manual work or workers, particularly in industry
Example: He treats everyone, from blue-collar workers to heads of state, with the same respect.
7. Out of the blue
Meaning: without warning; unexpectedly
Example: I haven’t spoken to Stephen in almost three years, but yesterday, he sent me a message out of the blue.
Silver and gold
8. All that glitters is not gold
Meaning: refers to how the attractive external appearance of something is not a reliable indication of its true nature
Example: My grandmother warned me: all that glitters is not gold. Just because someone is well-dressed, that doesn’t mean they will be the best person to befriend.
9. Every cloud has a silver lining
Meaning: refers to how difficult or sad situations can still have a comforting or more hopeful aspect, even if this may not be immediately apparent
Example: Even though he lost the match, every cloud has a silver lining, and he has gained experience that will prepare him for future competitions.
10. Kill the goose that lays the golden egg
Meaning: to destroy a reliable and valuable source of income
Example: By laying off his best workers, Adrian has killed the goose that lays the golden egg.
Water idioms to freshen up your writing
Black and white
11. Black book
Meaning: a book containing a list of secret contacts, or of the names of people liable to be punished
Example: Bob has been in Ann’s black books ever since he wrongly accused her of cheating on an exam.
12. White elephant
Meaning: a possession that is useless or troublesome, especially one that is expensive to maintain or difficult to dispose of
Example: The dam has become something of a white elephant as it no longer generates very much energy.