ə ˈblesɪŋ ɪn dɪsˈɡaɪz
- Literally:
- A blessing that is wearing a disguise or costume
What does "a blessing in disguise" mean?
- Something that seems bad or unlucky at first but turns out to be good
- An apparent misfortune that eventually has positive outcomes
Examples
- Losing that job was a blessing in disguise—I found a much better one.
- The rain seemed annoying, but it was a blessing in disguise; it cooled down the heat.
- Her injury was a blessing in disguise because she met her future husband at the hospital.
Origin
The phrase first appeared in a 1746 poem by James Hervey: 'E'en crosses from his sov'reign hand are blessings in disguise.' It reflects the idea that hidden benefits may come from seemingly negative events.
How to use it
Very common idiom used to describe situations where initial disappointment leads to later success or happiness. Suitable for all contexts.
Similar expressions
Opposites
Related idioms
- actions speak louder than words
What people do is more important than what they say
- better safe than sorry
It's better to be careful and prevent problems than to take risks
- so far so good
Things have gone well up to now
- easier said than done
Something is more difficult to do than to talk about
- make a long story short
To summarize or get to the point
- to make matters worse
In addition to existing problems
Use it in a practice answer
Try "a blessing in disguise" in a CELPIP-style Speaking or Writing task. The AI feedback tells you whether your word choice worked.