green fingers en · NOUN
Pronunciation
- /ɡɹiːn ˈfɪŋɡəz/ (Received-Pronunciation)
- /ɡɹin ˈfɪŋɡəɹz/ (General-American)
- (Australia) audio
Etymology
PIE word *pénkʷe From green (adjective) + fingers, possibly popularized by the British gardener and radio and television broadcaster Cecil Henry Middleton (1886–1945).
Meanings
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(idiomatic, informal, plural, plural-only) A seemingly natural gardening ability.
To some they are a rural escape in the centre of the city, to others they are a chance to test their green fingers and design skills. Now London mayor Boris Johnson has found a new use for urban roof gardens – as a key weapon on the front line against global warming.
2008 August 29, David Adam, “Environment: Johnson unveils secret weapon in war on climate change – the roof garden”, in Alan Rusbridger, editor, The Guardian, London: Guardian News & Media, →ISSN, →OCLC, archived from the original on 13 Mar 2023: