look on the dark side
To examine a situation, usually unfavorable, from a negative perspective; to be pessimistic or miserable.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“Please stop looking on the dark side of everything.”
“Even though we lost the game, there is no reason to look on the dark side.”
“Despite the mounting evidence of success, he insisted on looking on the dark side, convinced that failure was inevitable.”
- 01
bright side
A consoling aspect of a difficult situation.
- 02
butcher's
[Cockney slang]look
- 03
butter one's bread on both sides
To profit from two things at the same time, especially when those things seem contradictory or incompatible.
- 04
dark cloud
A situation or future event that causes worry, problems or unhappiness, likened to such a cloud overhead in the sky.
- 05
dark horse
Someone who possesses talents or favorable characteristics that are not known or expected by others.
- 06
dirty look
An unpleasant or disdainful look or expression, often directed at someone.
- 07
err on the side of
To behave in a manner which favours or which is biased toward.
- 08
err on the side of caution
To act in the least risky manner in a situation in which one is uncertain about the consequences.
Last updated August 10, 2026