light at the end of the tunnel

Register · Neutral Neutral — appropriate in most situations, both spoken and written, without sounding too casual or too stiff. CEFR B2

Post

Figurative meaning

A sign that a difficult period may soon improve or end.

Word picture

A dark passage has a visible light ahead, suggesting that its exit is near.

Example

“The falling infection rate offered the first light at the end of the tunnel.”

Dictionary details

Component words

light end tunnel

Tags

Expressions connected by reviewed component words or topic tags.

make light of Neutral · CEFR B2

to treat a serious matter as unimportant, often by joking about it

make light work of Neutral · CEFR B2

to handle a demanding task quickly and effortlessly

see the light of day Neutral · CEFR B2

be created, published, or finally made available for people to see

come to terms with Neutral · CEFR B2

to gradually accept and emotionally deal with a difficult reality

grin and bear it Neutral · CEFR B2

to put up with something unpleasant while suppressing complaints and maintaining a smile

hope against hope Neutral · CEFR B2

To continue wishing for a good result even when it seems almost impossible.

Source methodology

Meanings, register, CEFR, and examples come from the reviewed dictionary record. Expression notes may describe a reviewed present-day word picture or a background note; they are not presented as verified etymology.

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