Skip to main content

a blessing in disguise — something that seems bad or unlucky at first, but results in something good happening

Part of speech: NOUN

Definition: something that seems bad or unlucky at first, but results in something good happening

Pronunciation (IPA): /ə ˈblesɪŋ ɪn dɪsˈɡaɪz/

Example Sentences

  • Getting rejected by my dream college was a blessing in disguise - I met my future spouse at the school I ended up attending.
  • Missing my flight was a blessing in disguise because that plane was delayed for 8 hours due to bad weather.
  • My phone breaking was a blessing in disguise - I finally started talking to people face-to-face again!

a blessing in disguise

NOUN

[/ə ˈblesɪŋ ɪn dɪsˈɡaɪz/]

something that seems bad or unlucky at first, but results in something good happening

Missing the train turned out to be a blessing in disguise — he met his future wife on the next one.
💡 Concept

Missing the train turned out to be a blessing in disguise — he met his future wife on the next one.

What seemed like rejection in disguise was actually the sweetest surprise!
🎵 Rhyme

What seemed like rejection in disguise was actually the sweetest surprise!

Got the picture? Now let's practice.

🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ə ˈblesɪŋ ɪn dɪsˈɡaɪz/
🇬🇧 UK/ə ˈblesɪŋ ɪn dɪsˈɡaɪz/

🌳Etymology

Rootblessing

Origin

This metaphorical phrase emerged in the 17th-18th centuries, combining 'blessing' (a divine gift or benefit) with 'disguise' (concealment or deceptive appearance). It describes situations that appear unfortunate on the surface but ultimately prove to be fortunate or beneficial.

Breakdown

blessing (a benefit or stroke of good fortune) + in (within, among) + disguise (false or concealing appearance) = a benefit hidden beneath an unfortunate appearance.

🎵Rhyme

surprise
disguise
comprise

🔗Collocations

turn out to be a blessing in disguise
prove to be a blessing in disguise
real blessing in disguise
complete blessing in disguise
unexpected blessing in disguise

📝Examples

“Getting rejected by my dream college was a blessing in disguise - I met my future spouse at the school I ended up attending.”

“Missing my flight was a blessing in disguise because that plane was delayed for 8 hours due to bad weather.”

😄 Fun example

“My phone breaking was a blessing in disguise - I finally started talking to people face-to-face again!”

“The restaurant being full was a blessing in disguise because we discovered an amazing hidden gem next door.”

📚Related Words

Want to master 27,000+ words?

Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.