grass is always greener on the other side

grass is always greener on the other side

Meaning

• to think that other's part is better than mine
• to believe that someone else's life is better their own
• to think that the other person has it easier in a direct competition
• to think that own job is harder than someone else's

Example Sentences

1. The lawyer always thought that the grass is greener on the other side and left his profession to become an MBA graduate. Guess what? He is still struggling to find a job.
2. I often think that the grass is greener on the other side but then start counting my own blessings immediately.
3. You cannot possibly want to leave your job because you think you can become a singer. The grass is always greener on the side.
4. The rich man has plenty of diseases to fight with. You can start being grateful for what you have because the grass always looks greener on the other side.
5. I went to check the prospects out because the grass looked greener on that side but did not take up the business opportunity she offered.

Origin

In herds when grazing, there is movement towards what seems to be greener pastures. When people maintain gardens outside their house, they want the grass to be as green as possible. But the truth is that when you look from far away, the grass on the other side looks greener. When you go near it, you find out that it was only an illusion. The phrase originated in the 19^th century and is considered a modern day saying.