Look on the Bright Side

Posted on the 26 May 2021 by Idioms

Meaning

  • always try to see the good things even in bad situations
  • to be positive and optimistic despite problems
  • no matter what difficulties or challenges you are going through, you should remain optimistic
  • to find all the positive possibilities that would result from the hardships you are experiencing

Example Sentences

  1. Don't worry about your exam score; look on the bright side. It is a significant improvement from the previous exam.
  2. Besides what is coming our way, we should look on the bright side and at least wear a smile.
  3. The COVID-19 pandemic has been a huge blow but, look on the bright side. It exposed loopholes in the healthcare systems.
  4. Many patients who have cancer should sometimes look on the bright side, especially when it is detected in its early stages.
  5. Nothing is impossible for Junior John Cena if he learns to look on the bright side.

Origin

The phrase can be traced back in 1932 from a British Musical Comedy film called "Looking on the Bright Side." It is a film featuring actors Gracie Fields and Richard Dolman. It narrates a story of two lovers who are into musical acts, and as soon as one of them gets a taste of fame, they run off after another actress. The expression is always a pointer to look back at the bright side of your life no matter the situation.

The phrase is also used in the British Monty Python play in the song " the life of Brian " and can be explained as taking it easy even during hard times.