blessing in disguise

Meaning

This expression refers to something that seems bad, unfortunate, or unlucky at first, but eventually results in a very good or positive outcome. It is used to comfort someone or reflect on a situation that turned out unexpectedly well.

Examples

• Losing my job was a blessing in disguise because it forced me to start my own business.

  Losing my job was a blessing in disguise because it forced me to start my own business.

• Missing the flight was a blessing in disguise, as we avoided a terrible storm.

  Missing the flight was a blessing in disguise, as we avoided a terrible storm.

• Getting sick before the exam was a blessing in disguise since it gave me more time to study.

  Getting sick before the exam was a blessing in disguise since it gave me more time to study.

• The cancellation of the concert was a blessing in disguise; we saved a lot of money.

  The cancellation of the concert was a blessing in disguise; we saved a lot of money.

• At first, the break-up was painful, but it turned out to be a blessing in disguise.

  At first, the break-up was painful, but it turned out to be a blessing in disguise.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ It was a blessing in disguise of a bad thing.

  ✓ It was a blessing in disguise.

  The phrase 'in disguise' is self-contained. You do not need to specify what it is disguised as.

• ✗ Getting fired was a blessed in disguise.

  ✓ Getting fired was a blessing in disguise.

  Use the noun 'blessing', not the adjective 'blessed'.

Related Expressions

Practice

• Breaking my leg was a ___ because I finally had time to write my book.

  💡 Something bad that turned out good.

  Show answer

  blessing in disguise

• Though the project's delay was frustrating, it was a ___ as we fixed several major bugs.

  💡 An unexpected positive outcome.

  Show answer

  blessing in disguise