Explaining "Misery loves company"

Reviewed and edited by

Lloyd Cooper 30/09/2024, 21:13

English.me team member

What does it mean?

The phrase "Misery loves company" means that people who are unhappy or suffering tend to seek out others who are in a similar situation, often to feel a sense of solidarity or shared experience.

Tone

Cynical

Origin

The origin of the phrase can be traced back to ancient times, with a similar sentiment appearing in text like "Solamen miseris socios habuisse doloris," a line from playwright Christopher Marlowe's "Doctor Faustus" in the late 16th century, which means "It is a comfort to the unfortunate to have had companions in woe."

Examples of usage

After the breakup, John surrounded himself with friends going through similar heartaches because misery loves company.
During the long and difficult march, the soldiers found some solace in their shared hardships, proving once again that misery loves company.