green shoots

green shoots

Signs that something has been or is in the process of revitalizing. The phrase is often used to refer to such changes in the economy. "Shoots" refers to the sprouts of plants growing in soil. There have been no green shoots yet, so the recession continues.
See also: green, shoot
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

green shoots

signs of reviving activity.
The metaphor was popularized in Britain by its (over-optimistic) use in 1991 by the chancellor of the exchequer, Norman Lamont, to characterize signs of economic recovery.
See also: green, shoot
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • in the red
  • Lamourette's kiss
  • be in the black
  • do a Melba
  • like Grant took Richmond
  • have a Chinaman at (one's) neck
  • have a Chinaman on (one's) back
  • carry a Chinaman on (one's) back
  • a woman's work is never done
  • blow to kingdom come
References in classic literature
She always had a few twigs or green shoots in water--let the winter rage without as it might.
Andersens Fairy Tales
The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant smell of the moist earth.
Adventures of Sherlock Holmes
And when the dark-winged whirring grasshopper, perched on a green shoot, begins to sing of summer to men -- his food and drink is the dainty dew -- and all day long from dawn pours forth his voice in the deadliest heat, when Sirius scorches the flesh (then the beard grows upon the millet which men sow in summer), when the crude grapes which Dionysus gave to men -- a joy and a sorrow both -- begin to colour, in that season they fought and loud rose the clamour.
Collection Of Hesiod Homer and Homerica
GREEN shoots were difficult to spot as Ireland's got their women's European Championship campaign off to an underwhelming start against Montenegro.
Wasteful Irish ease to victory
North West Leicestershire District Council's Green Shoots scheme has now reopened for groups to apply for funding to be spent on the bulbs of a variety of flowers.
Green Shoots grant chance; Funding available for bulbs
While the OEM sector is on the uptick, particularly on the automotive side, the steel industry is also showing green shoots. 'It is important that we supply cost-effective solutions that reduce downtime and increase productivity,' Rudolph stresses.
New leader of Manufacturing for Bearings International
Boss Steve Rowe said there were "green shoots" of a turnaround, but added that performance was not consistent and had been hit by its store closure programme and wideranging revamp plan.
M&S profits slump 10% as overhaul takes a toll
We are seeing some green shoots of change with the growth in sustainable energy.
Change is too late for cancer victims
Summary: Both statistical and anecdotal evidence points to the fact that the green shoots of growth are becoming evident across various sectors of the economy.
Sure signs that the UAE economy is turning a corner
| EARTH up early potatoes as soon as green shoots appear.
WHAT TO DO THIS WEEK
down Earth up your earlies if you see green shoots Use a wigwam for climbers, like these sweet peas
Treat blackspot now for healthy plants
Marjory Davis, via email AIF you can't wait another month to see if any fresh green shoots emerge, then try the fingernail test.
Q&A; 40 LIFESTYLE Gardening with Adrienne Wild
"It's the first green shoots, tentative steps, but it's positive against some negative stories around the North Sea.
Green shoots of recovery for struggling oil industry; Rigs back in use for development drilling
Keep bird feeders topped up Early potatoes should be earthed up as soon as green shoots appear
YOUR JOBS FOR THIS WEEK