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Region: General | Usage example: He was green around the gills after the roller coaster.

Green around the gills

Meaning

Looking pale or seasick.

Usage

Used to describe someone feeling ill.

Origin & History

Origin notes can vary by region and source; this page gives the commonly reported explanation and usage context.

Paleness associated with nausea is compared to green tones.

Used by sailors describing seasickness in the 1800s.

Related Idioms

What goes around comes around

Your actions eventually come back to you.

Green thumb

A talent for gardening or making plants thrive.

Beat around the bush

Avoid stating something directly.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.