The Archive

Etymology Journal · G

Greener pastures

Meaning

A reference to moving on to a better situation, usually a new job or a new relationship. It suggests that the grass is better on the other side.

Hopeful, dismissive

Used in a sentence

  • He decided to leave the company to seek out greener pastures in California.
  • Maybe it is time you look for greener pastures if you are so unhappy here.
  • She found greener pastures at a startup that appreciates her skills.

The backstory

This is a shortening of the proverb, the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence. It has been used for centuries to describe human dissatisfaction.

Heard in

Nationwide

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