“Every cloud has a silver lining”: meaning, origin and examples
What it means
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
Where it comes from
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
- 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.
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