IdiomDaily Life
English
Englisha blessing in disguise
Meaning: Something that seems bad at first but turns out well.
Example: “Missing that flight was a blessing in disguise; I met my wife at the airport.”
Origin: A good thing dressed up as a misfortune. The phrase is recorded from the 18th century, in a hymn by James Hervey.
Equivalents in other languages
Chinese: 塞翁失马 (Sài Wēng shī mǎ) Literally: The old frontiersman loses his horse
More English idioms
- teach your grandmother to suck eggs To give advice to someone who knows far more than you.
- play into someone's hands To act in a way that unintentionally helps an opponent.
- make a hash of something To do something very badly.
- all hell breaks loose Chaos and disorder suddenly erupt.
- be put out to pasture To be retired or set aside as no longer useful.
- have all one's marbles To be of sound mind.
Explore another collection: Tongue Twisters
Tricky phrases to practice out loud, from languages around the world.
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