ENGLISH
REFERENCE

it is always darkest before the dawn

idiom
Meaning

Things are going to get better


Origin

first recorded 17th c.

First recorded in Thomas Fuller's A Pisgah-Sight of Palestine (1650): 'It is always darkest just before the Day dawneth.'

Examples
SIMPLE

Don't give up now, because it is always darkest before the dawn.

CONTEXTUAL

Even though you lost your job today, remember that it is always darkest before the dawn and a better opportunity might be coming.

COMPLEX

The company faced its worst financial crisis last winter, yet the manager reminded the staff that it is always darkest before the dawn just before their most successful season began.

Last updated June 7, 2026