hope for the best

Meaning

This expression means to wish for a positive outcome in a situation, even when you know there is a strong chance things might go wrong. It is often paired with the idea of preparing for the worst-case scenario. It is used to show a positive but realistic attitude.

Examples

• We've done all the preparation we can, so now we just have to hope for the best.

  We've done all the preparation we can, so now we just have to hope for the best.

• The weather forecast looks terrible, but let's hope for the best for our outdoor wedding.

  The weather forecast looks terrible, but let's hope for the best for our outdoor wedding.

• I submitted my application yesterday and now I'm just hoping for the best.

  I submitted my application yesterday and now I'm just hoping for the best.

• He didn't study much for the exam, but he's hoping for the best anyway.

  He didn't study much for the exam, but he's hoping for the best anyway.

• They started the new business in a tough market, hoping for the best.

  They started the new business in a tough market, hoping for the best.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ We should hope the best for our trip.

  ✓ We should hope for the best for our trip.

  The preposition 'for' is required in this idiom. You cannot drop it.

• ✗ I am hoping to the best.

  ✓ I am hoping for the best.

  Learners sometimes confuse the preposition 'for' with 'to' when translating from languages that use directional prepositions.

Related Expressions

Practice

• We sent the package late, but we can only ___ now.

  💡 Wish for a positive outcome despite the delay.

  Show answer

  hope for the best

• I don't know if they will accept my offer, but I ___.

  💡 Keep a positive attitude about the result.

  Show answer

  hope for the best