green-eyed monster

noun

1. jealousy.

   Othello fell under the sway of the green-eyed monster.

Word History and Origins

Origin of green-eyed monster¹

First recorded in 1595–1605

Idioms and Phrases

Jealousy, as in Bella knew that her husband sometimes succumbed to the green-eyed monster. This expression was coined by Shakespeare in Othello (3:3), where Iago says: “O! beware, my lord, of jealousy; it is the green-eyed monster which doth mock the meat it feeds on.” It is thought to allude to cats, often green-eyed, who tease their prey. Also see green with envy.

Example Sentences

If you’re wondering how to turn the so-called green-eyed monster into a positive force in your life, here are five steps to take.

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It doesn’t matter what others are or aren’t doing or getting; envy is a green-eyed monster.

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The thing about the green-eyed monster is that it feeds most ravenously on real talent.

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The truth is, as with many instances of envy, this strain of green-eyed monster is born of inequity.

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But seeing the large amounts of research funding being diverted to an area that overlaps with my own interests brings out the green-eyed monster in me.

Read more on Nature