L'erba del vicino è sempre più verde
Literally: The neighbour's grass is always greener
What it really means
We always envy what others have and undervalue our own.
When nonna would say it
A gentle reminder against envy — usually aimed at someone pining for someone else's job, partner, holiday, or new car.
Picture this
You sigh that your cousin's apartment is so much nicer than yours. Nonna, stirring the sauce without looking up: «L'erba del vicino è sempre più verde, tesoro.»