Color idioms are popular expressions in English that use colors to describe emotions, actions, or personalities. They help speakers sound more fluent and natural in everyday conversation. In this article, you’ll learn 30 common color idioms with meanings and examples.
Common Color Idioms in English
Here’s a list of the most frequently used color idioms in English. Each idiom comes with a short meaning and example to show how it’s used in real life.
1. Out of the blue
Meaning: Unexpectedly; by surprise.
Example: He called me out of the blue after years of no contact.
2. Feel blue
Meaning: To feel sad or depressed.
Example: I always feel blue on rainy weekends.
3. Green with envy
Meaning: Very jealous.
Example: She was green with envy when she saw her friend’s new phone.
4. In the red
Meaning: Owing money; in debt.
Example: I’m in the red after all the holiday shopping.
5. Catch someone red-handed
Meaning: Catch someone doing something wrong.
Example: He was caught red-handed trying to cheat on the test.
6. White lie
Meaning: A small or harmless lie.
Example: I told a white lie to avoid hurting her feelings.
7. Black sheep
Meaning: A person who is different or doesn’t fit in, often in a negative way.
Example: He’s the black sheep of the family because he never went to college.
8. See red
Meaning: Become very angry.
Example: I saw red when I found out he lied to me.
9. Give the green light
Meaning: To give permission or approval.
Example: My manager gave the green light to launch the new campaign.
10. Once in a blue moon
Meaning: Very rarely.
Example: I go to the movies once in a blue moon.
11. Black out
Meaning: To lose consciousness.
Example: He blacked out from the heat.
12. In the black
Meaning: Financially stable or making a profit.
Example: After a tough year, we’re finally back in the black.
13. Red tape
Meaning: Bureaucratic delays or excessive rules.
Example: We couldn’t get approval because of all the red tape.
14. Show your true colors
Meaning: Reveal your real personality.
Example: He showed his true colors when he refused to help us.
15. Green light
Meaning: Permission to proceed.
Example: We got the green light to start construction.
16. Black and white
Meaning: Clear and simple; no gray areas.
Example: The rules are written in black and white — no exceptions.
17. Tickled pink
Meaning: Very pleased or delighted.
Example: She was tickled pink with her birthday gift.
18. Raise a red flag
Meaning: To signal a warning.
Example: His attitude raised red flags during the interview.
19. Wave the white flag
Meaning: To surrender or give up.
Example: After hours of trying, I waved the white flag.
20. With flying colors
Meaning: With great success.
Example: She passed the exam with flying colors.
21. Gray area
Meaning: Unclear or not easily defined.
Example: The company’s refund policy is a bit of a gray area.
22. As white as a sheet
Meaning: Very pale due to fear or shock.
Example: He was as white as a sheet after the accident.
23. Born with a silver spoon
Meaning: Born into a wealthy or privileged family.
Example: She was born with a silver spoon and never had to worry about money.
24. Yellow-bellied
Meaning: Cowardly.
Example: He’s too yellow-bellied to ask for a raise.
25. Green thumb
Meaning: A natural talent for growing plants.
Example: My grandma has a green thumb. Her garden looks amazing.
26. Black mood
Meaning: Very bad or angry mood.
Example: He’s in a black mood — better leave him alone.
27. Green around the gills
Meaning: Looking sick or nauseous.
Example: He looked green around the gills after the rollercoaster ride.
28. Paint the town red
Meaning: Go out and enjoy oneself.
Example: We painted the town red after graduation.
29. Golden opportunity
Meaning: A perfect chance.
Example: This job is a golden opportunity you shouldn’t miss.
30. Black mark
Meaning: A negative record or reputation.
Example: That mistake was a black mark on her career.
Color Idioms Quiz
1. He got caught ___ while trying to cheat on the exam.
a) red-handed
b) green with envy
c) out of the blue
2. She was ___ when she found out she got the job.
a) once in a blue moon
b) tickled pink
c) blacked out
3. He looks a bit ___ — maybe he’s feeling sick.
a) white flag
b) green around the gills
c) black sheep
4. They gave us the ___ to start the project next week.
a) black mark
b) red tape
c) green light
5. We go out to dinner ___ because it’s a rare treat.
a) once in a blue moon
b) paint the town red
c) golden opportunity
6. After the big shopping trip, I’m totally ___.
a) in the black
b) in the red
c) green thumb
7. He told a ___ to avoid upsetting her.
a) green light
b) white lie
c) golden opportunity
8. I wasn’t expecting her message — it came ___.
a) red tape
b) out of the blue
c) raise a red flag
9. She’s known for having a ___ — her garden is amazing.
a) green thumb
b) purple patch
c) black mood
10. The long approval process was slowed down by ___.
a) red tape
b) black out
c) white flag
Quiz Answers
1) red-handed
2) tickled pink
3) green around the gills
4) green light
5) once in a blue moon
6) in the red
7) white lie
8) out of the blue
9) green thumb
10) red tape
