In this blog post, we’re going to explore 30 fun idioms that have to do with colors. Idioms are phrases that don’t mean exactly what the words say, but they’re used a lot in English to express different ideas and feelings. We’ve picked out some colorful expressions to help you understand and use English in a more interesting way.
Whether you’re just starting to learn English or you’re looking to get even better at it, these idioms will add some extra sparkle to your conversations. So, let’s dive in and discover the vibrant world of color idioms!
Color Idioms
Here are some color idioms in English with meaning and example sentences.
1. Black sheep
An odd or disreputable member
Example: He’s the black sheep of the family.
2. White lie
A harmless or small lie
Example: She told a white lie to avoid trouble.
3. Red tape
Excessive bureaucracy or adherence to rules
Example: Getting a permit involves red tape.
4. Green thumb
Talent for gardening
Example: My mother has a green thumb.
5. Blue collar
Related to manual work
Example: He works a blue-collar job.
6. White elephant
A burdensome possession
Example: That old car is a white elephant.
7. Out of the blue
Unexpectedly
Example: He arrived out of the blue.
8. Green with envy
Very jealous
Example: She was green with envy.
9. Black and white
Clear-cut, straightforward
Example: The rules are black and white.
10. Red herring
Something misleading
Example: That clue was a red herring.
11. In the pink
In good health
Example: Grandpa is in the pink now.
12. Golden opportunity
An excellent chance
Example: This job is a golden opportunity.
13. Silver lining
A hopeful aspect
Example: Every cloud has a silver lining.
14. Grey area
Something unclear
Example: That rule is a grey area.
15. Blue-blooded
Of noble or royal birth
Example: They are a blue-blooded family.
16. Yellow-bellied
Cowardly
Example: He’s too yellow-bellied to confront her.
17. Red-letter day
A memorable day
Example: Graduation was a red-letter day.
18. Green light
Permission to proceed
Example: We got the green light to start.
19. Tickled pink
Very pleased
Example: She was tickled pink by the news.
20. White-knuckle
Extremely tense or scared
Example: It was a white-knuckle flight.
21. Black market
Illegal trade
Example: Goods sold on the black market.
22. Seeing red
Very angry
Example: He was seeing red after the insult.
23. Born with a silver spoon
Born into wealth
Example: She was born with a silver spoon.
24. Blue moon
A rare event
Example: It happens once in a blue moon.
25. Green room
Performers’ waiting room
Example: Actors wait in the green room.
26. White as a ghost
Very pale
Example: She turned white as a ghost.
27. Blackout
Loss of consciousness or power
Example: The city experienced a blackout.
28. Red carpet treatment
Special treatment
Example: They gave us the red carpet treatment.
29. Golden years
The period of retirement
Example: Enjoying his golden years.
30. Paint the town red
Celebrate wildly
Example: Let’s paint the town red tonight.
