the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence
Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.
Also seen as: the grass is always greener (on the other side) (of the fence)
Sense 1
Meaning · English
Alternative form of the grass is always greener on the other side.
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
Meaning · English
Traditional English proverbial phrase; full definition pending editorial review.
Where it’s used:
Used
Widespread English
Sources & notes
Listed on Wikipedia “List of proverbial phrases” (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-29); definition pending editorial review.
Common questions
What does “the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence” mean?
Alternative form of the grass is always greener on the other side.
Is “the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.