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  What it means

  Literally “to turn green with jealousy.” This matches the English metaphor perfectly. It describes someone feeling an intense, overwhelming sense of envy, often to the point where it becomes physically noticeable in their expression or mood.

  Vocabulary

  • zzielenieć — to turn green
  • zazdrość — jealousy / envy
  • zazdrościć — to envy

  Grammar note

  The preposition 'z' (out of/because of) takes the genitive case ('zazdrości'). 'Zzielenieć' is the perfective form of 'zielenieć'.

  Cultural context

  While "green" is the color of envy in many cultures, in Poland, you might also hear "żółć" (bile/yellow) associated with bitterness and envy.

  Beginner

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