Learn English | A new lesson every week
Book your course now

Idioms

Why do we say 'Every Cloud Has A Silver Lining'?

Average: 2.8 (487 votes)

"Don't be unhappy that your boyfriend broke up with you - every cloud has a silver lining".  What does this idiom mean?

Meaning:

Every cloud has a silver lining means that you should never feel hopeless because difficult times always lead to better days. Difficult times are like dark clouds that pass overhead and block the sun.

Why do we say 'Three Sheets to the Wind'?

Average: 1.7 (285 votes)

 

'Don't drink too much tonight, you were three sheets to the wind last weekend.'

This expression is used to describe someone who is drunk to the point of being unable to stand up straight. The ‘sheets’ here refer to the sails of a windmill rather than bed linen. Windmill operators used to add or remove the number of sails according to the strength of the wind.