Hope is an essential emotion that keeps us going through tough times. Idioms about hope capture this feeling in creative and memorable ways, helping us express optimism and the expectation of better things to come. Here are 20 idioms that beautifully describe hope.
- Light at the End of the Tunnel
Meaning: Optimistic sign
Example: “There’s light at the end of the tunnel now.”
- Silver Lining
Meaning: Positive aspect
Example: “Every cloud has a silver lining.”
- A Glimmer of Hope
Meaning: Small hope
Example: “She saw a glimmer of hope in his eyes.”
- Hope Against Hope
Meaning: Despite odds
Example: “They hoped against hope for a miracle.”
- Pie in the Sky
Meaning: Unrealistic hope
Example: “Winning the lottery is just pie in the sky.”
- Ray of Sunshine
Meaning: Source of joy
Example: “Her smile is a ray of sunshine.”
- Hold Out Hope
Meaning: Maintain hope
Example: “They hold out hope for his recovery.”
- In the Nick of Time
Meaning: Just in time
Example: “Help arrived in the nick of time.”
- Keep the Faith
Meaning: Stay hopeful
Example: “They kept the faith despite the challenges.”
- On the Horizon
Meaning: Likely to happen
Example: “Better times are on the horizon.”
- Wish Upon a Star
Meaning: Hopeful wish
Example: “She wished upon a star for success.”
- Light Up One’s Life
Meaning: Bring joy
Example: “Her children light up her life.”
- Hope Springs Eternal
Meaning: Hope never ends
Example: “Hope springs eternal in the human heart.”
- Castles in the Air
Meaning: Unrealistic dreams
Example: “Building castles in the air won’t help.”
- Bright Future
Meaning: Promising future
Example: “He has a bright future ahead.”
- Spark of Hope
Meaning: Small hope
Example: “There was a spark of hope in her eyes.”
- Anchor of Hope
Meaning: Steady hope
Example: “Their friendship is an anchor of hope.”
- Crossing Fingers
Meaning: Wishing luck
Example: “I’m crossing my fingers for good news.”
- Eye on the Prize
Meaning: Focus on goal
Example: “Keep your eye on the prize.”
- Hope for the Best
Meaning: Expect good outcomes
Example: “Let’s hope for the best and prepare.”
