English is a very colorful, idiomatic language and it's important to learn some of the more common expressions if you want to perfect your speaking skills. Here is a handy list of idioms that use color in their construction.
Blue- I was feeling so blue after my father passed away. (Meaning sad, melancholy)
To see
red- After my wife
stole everything from me I just saw red and destroyed her car. (Uncontrollably
angry, not being able to stop oneself from acting on anger)
Green- The newbies are a bit green with organizing files the right way. (Inexperienced, naïve)
Yellow
bellied- Quit being
such a yellow belly and go sky diving!
(Cowardly, scared)
White
lie- It was just a
white lie so he wouldn't get hurt. (A lie about something not
important/consequential enough to matter)
Black and
blue- The poor boy
came home black and blue after an unfortunate rugby accident. (bruised and
beaten)
Black and
white- It was black
and white who was to blame in the murder. (Straightforward and clear, unambiguous)
Red
handed- I caught you
red handed stealing my books! (To catch someone in the act)
Born with
a silver spoon- The
princess was born with a silver spoon in her mouth, never having to struggle
for anything. (To be born fortunate/wealthy and not having to struggle)
Grey/gray-
Internet piracy
falls under a grey area of morality. (Unclear, ambiguous)
Red eye- I had to catch a red eye to Dallas.
(A flight that leaves very early in the morning)
Black
sheep- My father is
the black sheep of the family and no one has spoken to him in many years.
(Someone ostracized/ left alone, disliked)
Green
thumb- Maggie has a
real green thumb in the garden. (Good with plants and growing things)
Rose colored glasses- I
didn't see him for who he was, I guess I was looking through rose colored
glasses. (Looking at the past in a way that makes it seem better than it actual
was)
Out of
the blue- That ball
came right out of the blue and hit me in the face! (To come from out of
nowhere, unexpectedly)
Once in a
blue moon- Once in a
blue moon I'll take Sally out to the movies. (Happening not very frequently)
Golden
goose- Oil is the
golden goose of the United States. (Most profitable source)
Golden
opportunity- I had
to take the golden opportunity to live in New York! (A promising opportunity)
Red tape-
There is too much
red tape involved with immigration. (Bureaucratic obstacles, official things
that get in the way)
Tickled
pink- The bear was
tickled pink when it found a bush full of berries. (Very happy and
appreciative)
True colors- He showed
his true colors when he said those hurtful remarks. (To show one's true self)
Flying colors- She passed
the quiz with flying colors! (To exceed)
