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.
That is one of the silver linings here for the Canadiens. Arpon Basu, New York Times, 22 Apr. 2025 Obviously, income reductions aren't advisable but can come with an income-tax silver lining. Russ Wiles, USA Today, 18 Apr. 2025 But when asked to reflect on his time with the Rangers this week, the potential awkwardness of the return didn’t overshadow the silver linings Woodward took from his tenure. Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 18 Apr. 2025 Who can be present in pain, whether their own or their team’s, without rushing to repackage it into a silver lining too soon. Tess Brigham, Forbes.com, 17 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

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Cite this Entry

“Silver lining.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/silver%20lining. Accessed 29 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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