20 Idioms About Color: Better English Expression!

Today we are going to look at 20 idioms about color with sentences and questions to make our English more expressive! Also, scroll down to the bottom for a mini-quiz if you think you already know them all!

Idioms about color

Here is the first set of idioms about color. Read and repeat them all to get comfortable with their pronunciations! After these, we will look into some of them in a bit more detail.

1. White lie – A harmless or small lie, usually told to avoid hurting someone’s feelings.
2. Green with envy – Extremely jealous.
3. Seeing red – Very angry.
4. Feeling blue – Feeling sad or depressed.
5. Caught red-handed – Caught in the act of doing something wrong.
6. Tickled pink – Very pleased or entertained.
7. Golden opportunity – A very good chance to achieve something.
8. Black and white – Very clear and easy to understand.
9. Rose-colored glasses – An overly optimistic or positive perspective.
10. Out of the blue – Something happening unexpectedly.

Related: 20 Idioms With Their Meanings And Sentences: Better Speaking!

Black and White

The phrase “black and white” refers to situations that seem very clear or easy to understand. Something is either right or wrong. Good or bad. There’s no room for doubt, no middle ground. English speakers often use this idiom when talking about rules, laws, or decisions. However, people also use it to describe someone who sees things too simply—ignoring the gray areas of life. In reality, many situations are complex and require understanding, not quick judgment. Saying something is “black and white” can also suggest a lack of flexibility or imagination.
Example sentences with black and white:

• The manager sees everything in black and white—there’s no room for discussion.
• Life isn’t always black and white.
• Some people think lying is always wrong, but it’s not that black and white.
• His view on politics is very black and white.
• She needs to understand that this issue isn’t so black and white.

White Lie

A “white lie” is a small lie told to avoid hurting someone or to be polite. It’s not meant to deceive in a bad way. People often use white lies in everyday social situations. For example, you might say you love a friend’s new haircut even if you don’t. The goal is kindness, not harm. White lies help keep conversations smooth and protect feelings. While honesty is important, white lies are usually seen as harmless or even kind in certain moments.
Example sentences with white lie:

• I told a white lie and said the food was great.
• He didn’t want to hurt her feelings, so he told a white lie.
• Sometimes a white lie can keep the peace.
• She asked if I liked her dress, and I gave a white lie.
• Not every lie is harmful—some are just white lies.

Feeling Blue

To “feel blue” means to feel sad, down, or depressed. It doesn’t always mean deep sorrow, but more like a heavy or low mood. People use this phrase when they’re feeling emotional or having a rough day. It’s often used casually in everyday speech. You might feel blue after hearing bad news, feeling lonely, or being disappointed. It’s a gentle way to express sadness without sounding too dramatic.
Example sentences with feeling blue:

• I’ve been feeling blue all day for no reason.
• He feels blue whenever it rains.
• After she moved away, I felt really blue.
• Some music makes me feel blue.
• Jake seldom feels blue (that means very only very rarely).

Tickled Pink

To be “tickled pink” means to be very pleased or happy about something. It’s often used when someone is pleasantly surprised or delighted. This idiom has a playful tone and works well when something good happens unexpectedly. It’s often used in informal situations, like when receiving a gift, a compliment, or good news. It shows a mix of joy, gratitude, and lightheartedness.
Example sentences with tickled pink:

• I was tickled pink when they threw me a surprise party.
• She was tickled pink by the kind note.
• He’s tickled pink about the new job offer.
• They were tickled pink to see their old friend.
• The kids were tickled pink with their gifts.

Rose-Colored Glasses / Rose-Tinted Spectacles

Wearing “rose-colored glasses” or “rose-tinted spectacles” means seeing things more positively than they really are. It can suggest a person is unrealistic or ignoring problems. People use this idiom when someone refuses to see the bad side of a situation. It can sound a bit critical, but it depends on the tone. Sometimes it shows optimism; other times, it means the person is avoiding reality.
Example sentences with rose-colored glasses / rose-tinted spectacles:

• She looks at her childhood through rose-colored glasses.
• You’re wearing rose-tinted spectacles if you think everything is perfect.
• Don’t put on rose-colored glasses—see it for what it is.
• He sees his ex through rose-colored glasses, forgetting the problems.
• We need to stop viewing the past with rose-tinted spectacles.

Color idioms: part 2

Here are the second bunch of color idioms. As with those above, if you are learning English it would be a good idea to repeat all of them – ideally several times. Then you’ll be able to better remember them. And once again, after these we will look at a few of them in greater detail.

1. In the black – Financially solvent; making a profit.
2. In the red – In debt; losing money.
3. Give the green light – To grant permission to proceed with something.
4. Grey Area – this describes something that is unclear – for instance, rules that are not so obvious.
5. Born with a silver spoon in one’s mouth – Born into a wealthy family.
6. Green thumb – A natural talent for gardening.
7. Black and blue – Bruised and beaten.
8. Red tape – Excessive bureaucracy or adherence to official rules.
9. Paint the town red – Go out and have a lively, enjoyable time.
10. Once in a blue moon – Very rarely.

Related: 18 Idioms About Friendship: Better Vocabulary & Speaking!

Grey Area

A “grey area” is a situation that’s unclear, uncertain, or not easily classified as right or wrong. It’s not black or white—it’s in between. Rules may not fully apply. English speakers use this idiom when talking about ethics, laws, or policies that are open to interpretation. In real life, many situations fall into grey areas where people have to use judgment, not just follow rules. It often signals that something is complicated or debated.
Example sentences with grey area:

• The law on this issue is a grey area.
• That topic falls into a moral grey area.
• It’s not illegal, but it’s definitely a grey area.
• There’s a grey area between honesty and kindness.
• We’re stuck in a grey area—nobody knows the right answer.

Green Light

To get the “green light” means to receive permission or approval to begin something. It comes from traffic lights—green means “go.” People use this idiom in work, projects, or plans. If a boss gives the green light, you’re allowed to move forward. It often marks the start of something that was waiting for approval.
Example sentences with green light:

• The boss gave us the green light to launch the ad.
• We can’t start until we get the green light.
• They finally got the green light to build the store.
• I’m waiting for the green light before hiring anyone.
• Once we had the green light, everything moved fast.

Green Thumb / Green Fingers

Someone with a “green thumb” (or “green fingers”) is very good at gardening. Plants grow well under their care. This idiom is common in both American and British English, though “green thumb” is more used in the U.S. and “green fingers” in the U.K. It’s often used casually when talking about hobbies or people who love nature.
Example sentences with green thumb / green fingers:

• My neighbor has a real green thumb—her garden is amazing.
• I wish I had green fingers, but every plant I touch dies.
• He’s known for his green thumb at the community garden.
• You need green fingers to keep orchids alive.
• With her green thumb, even weeds look pretty.

Black and Blue

The phrase “black and blue” usually describes someone who is bruised from being hit or injured. It refers to the colors bruises turn on the skin. It can be used literally or figuratively. Sometimes people say they’re black and blue after a tough situation—even an emotional one. It’s mostly used in casual or descriptive speech. It is more common in literal situations.
Example sentences with black and blue:

• He was black and blue after the fall.
• She came back from boxing class black and blue.
• I felt black and blue after that hard week.
• His arm was black and blue from the accident.
• The truth left him feeling black and blue inside.

Paint the Town Red

To “paint the town red” means to go out and have a wild, fun night—usually with parties, dancing, or drinking. It suggests celebration and letting loose. English speakers use it when they want to enjoy life, often after something good happens. It’s playful and often used in social settings.
Example sentences with paint the town red:

• Let’s go paint the town red tonight!
• After getting the promotion, she painted the town red.
• They went out to paint the town red after the wedding.
• He loves to paint the town red every weekend.
• We haven’t painted the town red in ages—let’s do it!

Sayings about color: example sentences

Here are some more example sentences to practice English speaking with. They are from the first set of idioms about color. After reading all of these, why don’t you make your own example sentences, too?

1. White lie – She told a white lie about the surprise party to keep it a secret.
2. Green with envy – He was green with envy when he saw his friend’s new car.
3. Seeing red – When he found out someone stole his bike, he was seeing red.
4. Feeling blue – She was feeling blue after her pet passed away.
5. Caught red-handed – The thief was caught red-handed by the police.
6. Tickled pink – Maria was tickled pink when she got an A on her test.
7. Golden opportunity – Winning the scholarship was a golden opportunity for him.
8. Black and white – The rules were black and white, with no room for debate.
9. Rose-colored glasses – She saw the world through rose-colored glasses and didn’t notice the problems.
10. Out of the blue – Out of the blue, he got a call offering his dream job.

Idiom example sentences: part 2

Here is the next set of example sentences using today’s color idioms. As with before, read them all out and repeat them.

1. In the black – Our business is finally in the black after many years of hard work.
2. In the red – We need to cut costs because the company is in the red.
3. Give the green light – The principal gave the green light for the school trip.
4. Grey Area – The overtime rules are a bit of a grey area at our company.
5. Born with a silver spoon in one’s mouth – Sarah never had to worry about money as she was born with a silver spoon in her mouth.
6. Green thumb – My neighbor has a green thumb; her garden is always beautiful.
7. Black and blue – He came home black and blue after falling off his bike.
8. Red tape – I had to deal with so much red tape to get my passport renewed.
9. Paint the town red – After our exams, we decided to paint the town red and celebrate.
10. Once in a blue moon – We go to the beach once in a blue moon because it’s so far away.

Idioms about color: conversation questions

Here are some questions using today’s idioms about color. Try to answer them all in full sentences. If you have no experience with the topics, it does not matter – as this is an English conversation practice. Try to imagine the answers as best you can!

1. White lie: Have you ever told a white lie to avoid hurting someone’s feelings? What was it about?
2. Green with envy: Think of a time when you were green with envy. What made you feel that way?
3. Seeing red: What kind of situation would make you see red?
4. Feeling blue: What do you usually do when you are feeling blue?
5. Caught red-handed: Have you ever caught someone red-handed? What were they doing?
6. Tickled pink: Describe something that would make you feel tickled pink.
7. Golden opportunity: What do you consider a golden opportunity in life?
8. Black and white: Can you think of an issue that is black and white? Why?
9. Rose-colored glasses: Do you believe it’s better to see life through rose-colored glasses or to be realistic? Explain.
10. Out of the blue: Has anything ever happened to you out of the blue? What was it?
11. In the black: What would you do if your new business was in the black?
12. In the red: How would you manage if your finances were in the red?
13. Give the green light: When was the last time you were given the green light to start something new?
14. Grey Area: Can you give an example of a grey area in rules you know?
15. Born with a silver spoon in one’s mouth: Have you ever met anyone born with a silver spoon in their mouth? How were they different?
16. Green thumb: Do you have a green thumb, or know someone who does? What is your favorite plant?
17. Black and blue: Have you ever been black and blue from an accident? What happened?
18. Red tape: Have you ever had to deal with red tape? What was the situation?
19. Paint the town red: If you could paint the town red tonight, where would you go and what would you do?
20. Once in a blue moon: What’s something you do only once in a blue moon? Why don’t you do it more often?

Idioms about color: a fun way to learn English!

I hope you have enjoyed reading and repeating all of today’s idioms about color. As a fun wrap-up, try this quiz:

• What do we say for something that is only rarely done?
• If the rules are very unclear, it is a what?
• Tommy fell out of a tree, and his skin is now?
• I can grow flowers well because I have a?