happily ever after

idiom

Meaning

Chiefly preceded by he, she, they, etc., lived: often used as a formulaic ending in fairy tales, stories for children, and similar works: in a state of happiness for the rest of his, her, their, etc., lives.

Origin

disputed origin

The adverb is derived from happily (adverb) + ever after (adverb), used as a formulaic ending in works for children especially since the 19th century. The noun is derived from the adverb.

Examples

SIMPLE

They married and lived happily ever after.

CONTEXTUAL

After they finally solved their problems, they moved to the countryside and lived happily ever after.

COMPLEX

The story concludes with the weary travelers finding peace in their new home, where they lived happily ever after for the rest of their days.

Anchors to

happily