silver lining

noun

: a consoling or hopeful prospect

Examples of silver lining in a Sentence

If there's a silver lining to losing my job, it's that I'll now be able to go to school full-time and finish my degree earlier.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
One silver lining is that the city has been rebuilt with more modern infrastructure and buildings that will be more resilient to future fires. Elizabeth Robinson, NBC News, 16 Jan. 2025 There was a silver lining to his message however, as Steven also pointed out that Gen Z will only be considered cringy to the generations younger than them. John Mac Ghlionn, Newsweek, 14 Jan. 2025 The one silver lining here is that these dollars are going to women’s health: a space that needs investment, regardless of the founder’s or CEO’s gender. Eva Epker, Forbes, 11 Jan. 2025 Ben Johnson could have faced accusations of stealing silver linings after an 0-4 start to Big Ten play. Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 10 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for silver lining 

Word History

Etymology

from the phrase "every cloud has a silver lining"

First Known Use

1871, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of silver lining was in 1871

Dictionary Entries Near silver lining

Cite this Entry

“Silver lining.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/silver%20lining. Accessed 22 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

silver lining

noun
: a consoling or hopeful prospect
looked for the silver lining in a bad situation
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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