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The saying "every cloud has a silver lining" is an optimistic proverb that suggests every difficult or sad situation has a positive aspect or outcome. The phrase has been in use for centuries, and its origins are a bit murky, but it's generally believed to have been popularized in the 16th century.

The concept behind the saying can be traced back to the ancient Greek playwright Aeschylus, who wrote about the silver bow of Apollo (a symbol of hope) appearing in the dark cloud of the plague. However, the exact phrase as we know it today didn't appear in print until John Milton's poem "Comus" in 1634, where he wrote, "Was I deceived, or did a sable cloud turn forth her silver lining on the night?"

The phrase gained further popularity in the 19th century, and it's been a staple of the English language ever since, often used to encourage people to look for the good in challenging times.

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a poetic sentiment that even the gloomiest outlook contains some hopeful or consoling aspect. Cf. [1634 Milton Comus I. 93] Was I deceiv'd, or did a sable cloud Turn forth her silver lining on the night? Both cite John Milton's Comus 1 as the first instance of this expression.read more >>