For something to have a silver lining is a common English idiom to express that a certain negative occurrence can also have a positive side to it. This idiom likely originates from John Milton’s 1634 masque Comus which contained the lines,
Was I deceiv’d, or did a sable cloud
Turn forth her silver lining on the night?
As is the case with most other idioms, the meaning of this one is not literal. The proverb which it is most commonly used in, “every cloud has a silver lining”, brings forward the mental image of a dark and heavy storm cloud that blocks the sun but not completely so that the sunshine behind it manages to create a sort of bright lining around its edges: regardless of the darkness of that cloud, it is not dark or big enough to block out every bit of sunlight and it will eventually give place to better weather.
So, even though a situation is very difficult and seems overwhelming, often it’s possible to find a positive aspect that can improve it. In these times of a global pandemic, it’s important to try to not lose sight of the silver linings between the dark clouds of personal and social uncertainty.
Do you know any other interesting idioms? Test out your knowledge in our quiz on English idioms and sayings!
