Meaning
What does The Grass Is Greener On The Other Side mean?
The grass is greener on the other side is a proverbial expression. It builds around the idea that people always desire something that they don’t have.
In a more literal sense, you would always perceive your neighbor’s lawn to be greener than yours, even though in reality they are identical.
The term is especially relevant in modern society, where people always measure their own values based on other people’s possessions.
Origin
What's the origin of The Grass Is Greener On The Other Side?
This modern expression has a long and rich history.
Originally, it came from the Latin language, and was cited by authors like Erasmus or Ovid before the birth of Christ.
In 1545, Richard Taverner translated one of the old Latin texts containing a version of the expression: “The corn in another man’s ground seems ever more fertile and plentiful than our own does.”
Spread & Usage
How did The Grass Is Greener On The Other Side spread?
Based on the large number of appearances of the expression throughout history, we can state that this proverb has always been popular and well-used.
In modern times, people use the grass is greener on the other side in various forms and versions.
However, the meaning is essentially always the same, referring to a very fundamental trait of human nature.