“Misery loves company”: meaning, origin and examples
What it means
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
Where it comes from
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
- 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.
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