Every cloud has a silver lining

Meaning

An encouragement to be optimistic. Even bad events have a good side to them.

Examples

Okay he wasn’t faithful but at least you found out now rather than after the wedding – every cloud has a silver lining.

Where did it originate?

Britain, 17th century. From a poem by John Milton.

Where is it used?

Worldwide.

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About the Author

Gary Martin

Writer and researcher on the origins of phrases and the creator of the Phrase Finder website. Over the past 26 years more than 700 million of his pages have been downloaded by readers. He is one of the most popular and trusted sources of information on phrases and idioms.

Every cloud has a silver lining