Ever pick up someone say , " calculate on the bright side ! " when you ’re feeling down ? They ’re blab out about line up a " silver lining , " an expression we use when we want to see the positive aspect of a challenging situation , often include in the long phrase " Every cloud has it ’s silver lining . "
This idiom encourages us to reckon for the good , even when sprightliness ’s clouds make thing seem grey-headed . But why do we call it a " silver facing " and not something else , like a " gold ray " ?
The idiomatic expression " silver facing " has its roots in the idea that , even on the blue days , there ’s a glimmer of brightness if you look tight . cloud might seem sinister and hard on the surface , but if sunshine hits them just correctly , you ’ll spot a silverish outline around the edge . like those silver grey - edged clouds , every problematic position contain something positive — if you ’re willing to look for it .
‘Silver Lining’ Meaning
When we say something has a eloquent lining , we ’re referring to ahidden positive aspect within a challenging situation . The silver liner is n’t always easy to see ; sometimes , it ’s insert beneath the surface .
By actively looking for the silvern lining , we can shift our position , transmute difficulties into opportunities for growth . So , it ’s not just about ignoring the swarm ; it ’s about finding value or growth within it .
It ’s develop to typify Leslie Townes Hope and optimism in English - speaking countries and beyond — a bite like a mental tool to avail us deal with life ’s ups and downs , allowing us to accept and take account tough situation without concenter only on the negative .
Whether facing setback , handle with an estranged ex - married woman or treat biography ’s small disappointments , this phrase encourages us to spot something undecomposed hidden within the struggle .
Origins of the Phrase
The origin of the term " silver lining " can be tracedback to the 17th centurywhen English poet John Milton reference it in his study " Comus . " He indite about a silver lining around a sinister swarm , suggesting that even the darkest cloud have a inkling of light .
Over metre , the idiom make popularity as a metaphor for encounter hope amid life ’s challenge . By the sentence it reached the nineteenth century , it had become wide used in conversation and literature .
Here is a selected passage from " Comus , " published 1634 :
I see ye visibly , and now believe
That he , the Supreme Good , to whom all things inauspicious
Are but as slavish officers of payback ,
Would send a glistering defender , if need were
To keep my life and honour unassailed .
Was I deceive , or did a sable swarm
Turn forth her silver facing on the night ?
I did not err ; there does a sable cloud
wrench forth her atomic number 47 liner on the nighttime ,
And casts a gleam over this tufted plantation .
" Every cloud has a silver facing " became a common saying , charm the estimate that positivity often hides within living ’s grayest moments . Today , we still use it in much the same way , suggest that even when thing seem bleak , there ’s usually something worthful to take away .
This theme of take care beyond the control surface for a hint of light has stay a democratic way of handling difficult time across culture .
3 Examples of ‘Silver Lining’ in Everyday Conversation
Imagine you ’re caught in a frustrating situation , and a protagonist offers some consolation by sharpen out a silver liner . Here ’s how it might sound in actual life :
In each typesetter’s case , pointing out a silver facing is n’t meant to neglect the tough belief . Instead , it ’s about recognise that even when life feels overwhelming , there ’s often a positive aspect — however pocket-sized — that can offer a bit of comfort or motivation .
‘Silver Linings Playbook’: The Movie
The phrasal idiom " eloquent lining " found fresh popularitywith the 2012 film"Silver Linings Playbook , " starring Bradley Cooper , Jennifer Lawrence and Robert De Niro .
Directed by David O. Russell and based on a novel of the same form of address , this movie follows the story of Pat ( play by Cooper ) , a man recently released from a psychiatric facility after a breakdown . Pat is determined to get his living back on track and win back his alienated married woman . Along the means he meet Tiffany , portrayed by Jennifer Lawrence , a widow woman with her own battle .
limit in the spirit of Philadelphia , the story research how Pat and Tiffany help each other regain facile linings amid liveliness ’s many " swarm . " From personal losses to family tensions , they front actual - life challenge and attempt to uncover hidden joys in difficult situations . They even bond over their making love for the Philadelphia Eagles and join a terpsichore competition together . These shared passion keep them going despite life ’s setbacks .
Their teamwork in dancing becomes a metaphor for sour through life ’s struggles together , finding small moment of felicity amid the chaos . Actress Brea Bee and Patrick McDade make memorable show in the movie , add to the rich , complex story that showcases how biography ’s tough moments often come with silvery facing .
" Rolling Stone " praised " Silver Linings Playbook " for its blend of humor and aroused depth , highlighting how it challengesviewers to look beyond the surface and find hope in unexpected places . The moving-picture show ’s message resonates with audiences worldwide , cue us that no matter how disconsolate things may seem , there ’s always a possibility for increase and connection .
We create this article in conjugation with AI technology , then made certain it was fact - check and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor .
