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.
For those weary homebuyers, this drop in mortgage rates could be a silver lining of this week's historic tariffs announcement. John W. Dean, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Apr. 2025 Benefits Despite the downsides, there are several silver linings. Edward Segal, Forbes.com, 6 Apr. 2025 But in true form, Kilmer is quick to point out the silver lining. Kara Warner, People.com, 2 Apr. 2025 Trump found a silver lining in the Wisconsin election results in that voters overwhelmingly approved an amendment to require photo ID to vote, cementing an existing law into the constitution. Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 2 Apr. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Silver lining.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/silver%20lining. Accessed 24 Apr. 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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