Explaining "Every cloud has a silver lining"

Reviewed and edited by

Anwar Kareem 17/10/2024, 13:52

English.me team member

What does it mean?

The phrase means that every difficult or unpleasant situation has a positive aspect to it, or that there is hope even in the darkest times.

Tone

Optimistic

Origin

The phrase is believed to have originated in the 17th century and was popularized by John Milton, who wrote in 1634 in "Comus: A Mask Presented at Ludlow Castle" that "Was I deceived, or did a sable cloud Turn forth her silver lining on the night?" It became a proverb over time.

Examples of usage

Even though she lost the competition, she gained valuable experience and met some amazing people; every cloud has a silver lining.
After the company went bankrupt, he realized it was an opportunity to start his own business. Every cloud has a silver lining.