“Light At The End Of The Tunnel” Meaning with Helpful Examples • 7ESL

The idiomatic phrase “light at the end of the tunnel” is a phrase you will hear or see referred to quite often in everyday conversation and writing. Here you will find the meaning of this phrase and information about its origin. You will also see examples of this phrase used properly in conversations/statements and discover other ways to say the phrase while still conveying the same meaning.

Light At The End Of The Tunnel

Light At The End Of The Tunnel Meaning

The phrase “light at the end of the tunnel” means that you can finally see the end of a difficult situation that has been a long time in the making. It can also mean that someone should always keep hope no matter how difficult the situation.

Origin of this popular idiom

The origin of this phrase dates back to a proverb from 1922. The proverb stated that one should never give up hope because there is always happiness to be found after long periods of despair. It was not until 1962 that the phrase “light at the end of the tunnel” was used to some up this proverb in a speech that was delivered by President John F. Kennedy. The phrase has been widely used since.

“Light At The End Of The Tunnel” Examples

Examples of Statements

A statement made in the local paper by a local citizen in an area that was damaged by a tornado.

  • “The devastation is alarming and it will take us years to recover, but there is always light at the end of the tunnel.”

A statement made by a celebrity that had to enter into a rehab facility.

  • “I am not afraid to admit that I have a problem with alcohol and I need help. That is why I am taking a break and why I came here. I won’t lose sight of the light at the end of the tunnel and I hope all my fans will understand.”

Examples of Conversations

A conversation between two friends over coffee.

  • Friend 1: How are you and Dan doing since deciding to go to marriage counseling?
  • Friend 2: We are making awesome progress and our marriage is better than ever. After all these years, I can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel.

A conversation between two co-workers at the office.

  • Co-worker 1: This merger has been in the work for five years now.
  • Co-worker 2: Wow! That long?
  • Co-worker 1: Yeah, they kept negotiating terms back and forth, it was crazy.
  • Co-worker 2: Well it’s nice to finally see the light at the end of the tunnel.

More useful examples:

  • After a year of declining profits, there’s finally a light at the end of the tunnel.
  • The project has been going on for months but at last we can see the light at the end of the tunnel.
  • All I can do is tell her to hold on, that there’s light at the end of the tunnel.

Other Ways to Say “Light At The End Of The Tunnel”

There are several other ways you can say the phrase “light at the end of the tunnel” to convey the same meaning. Some of the things you could say alternatively include:

  • A solution after all this time
  • There is always hope
  • See the end

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Last Updated on March 21, 2020