Select the most appropriate meaning of the underlined idiom in the given sentence.
I tried to tell him to think of the good times, that every cloud has a silver lining.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The most appropriate meaning of the underlined idiom "every cloud has a silver lining" in the given sentence is every difficult situation has a hopeful aspect to it.
The other options are incorrect.
- "Doing something with thoroughness and passion" does not mean that every difficult situation has a hopeful aspect to it. Doing something with thoroughness and passion means to do it carefully and with a lot of effort.
- "Don't cry over what has happened as it cannot be fixed" does not mean that every difficult situation has a hopeful aspect to it. This idiom means to accept that something bad has happened and to move on.
- "Treat people the same way as you want to be treated" does not mean that every difficult situation has a hopeful aspect to it. This idiom means to be kind and considerate to others.
The idiom "every cloud has a silver lining" comes from the idea that even the darkest clouds have a small amount of light shining through them. In the same way, even the most difficult situations have some hope or possibility for a positive outcome. For example, you might say that a person who loses their job can find a new one that is even better.