# green about the gills

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/green-about-the-gills
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

Ill or unwell, especially as indicated by one's appearance.

## Examples

- You look a bit green about the gills today.
- After the boat hit some rough waves, several passengers started looking green about the gills.
- The sailor appeared visibly green about the gills as the storm intensified, struggling to maintain his composure while the ship pitched violently.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.