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Region: North America | Usage example: She has a green thumb; even the office plant looks healthier around her.

Green thumb

Meaning

A talent for gardening or making plants thrive.

Usage

Used to compliment someone who nurtures plants successfully or has a knack for growth.

Origin & History

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

Possibly from the green stains left on gardeners’ thumbs, indicating horticultural skill.

Tracing to early 20th-century North American gardening columns and later lifestyle magazines.

Related Idioms

Rule of thumb

A practical guideline based on experience.

Give the green light

Authorize or approve something.

Green with envy

Extremely jealous.

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.