Origin and meaning of "every cloud has a silver lining"



Every cloud has a silver lining.



Please provide some historical perspective and meaning of this expression.



Answer



According to The Oxford Dictionary of Proverbs, the phrase "Every cloud has a silver lining" is



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?



Read more: http://www.answers.com/topic/silver-lining#ixzz1Cu5fvfWP and http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?search=silver+lining&searchmode=none


Both cite John Milton's Comus 1 as the first instance of this expression.


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