be a blessing in disguise

be a blessing in disguise

To result in an unforeseen positive outcome. Running late for work turned out to be a blessing in disguise. I would have been in the middle of that big multi-car pileup had I left the house on time.
See also: blessing, disguise
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
See also:
  • blessing
  • blessing in disguise
  • blessing in disguise, a
  • disguise
  • a blessing in disguise
  • a mixed blessing
  • mixed blessing
  • mixed blessing, a
  • save (something) for a rainy day
  • save for a rainy day
References in periodicals archive
JOE Simpson believes Wasps' failure to qualify for the Heineken Champions Cup could prove to be a blessing in disguise.
Cup absence may be blessing, insists Joe; Joe Simpson celebrates with team-mates after scoring a try against Harelquins in his final game for Wasps Rugby
I had to opt out of 'Maaya' due to unavoidable circumstances and it turned out to be a blessing in disguise," she added.
I'm playing an antagonist in 1921: Angela Krislinzki
FORMER Roscommon All-Star Paul Earley says losing home advantage for the Connacht final replay could be a blessing in disguise.
NOWHERE TO HYDE: PAUL; CONNACHT SFC: GALWAY v ROSCOMMON 3.30pm
Mills refuted suggestions the second round exit from the Trophy could be a blessing in disguise.
Wrexham have 19 games to save our season says Mills
DAVE BOWMAN reckons the referees' shock strike could turn out to be a blessing in disguise - because it's time foreign and English whistlers were given a chance to rule the roost in Scotland.
FANS STRIKE IT LUCKY
"In the end, this defeat could be a blessing in disguise but at the moment, all our thoughts are towards Chelsea."
Blessing in disguise
MASON: my ban could turn out to be a blessing in disguise
I'm ready to tame pack of Wolves says Mason
Asif, who was banned from international cricket for a year on doping charges, said the break proved to be a blessing in disguise as it helped him overcome his niggling injuries.
Asif targeting Kiwi series to announce his Test comeback
Glenn Roeder believes Emre's return to international football tonight has turned out to be a blessing in disguise for Newcastle United, (writes Alan Oliver).
Emre cap recall a blessing for us says Roeder
GALWAY boss Conor Hayes says that his side's poor start to the league has turned out to be a blessing in disguise.
Hurling: HE'S HAPPY HAYES
Couple say quitting proved to be a blessing in disguise
New era at inn for ex-coffee shop pair
"So it could be a blessing in disguise. But, maybe not."
Grave humor: championed by John Cameron Mitchell, Jonathan Caouette's crazy, confessional film Tarnation is moving gay and straight audiences to tears and laughter
``That defeat could be a blessing in disguise because we were getting carried away after the Feyenoord and Southampton games,'' he said.
Football: Dyer highlights the positive side
Scotland captain George Salmond said: "At first I wasn't happy about having a blank day at the start of the tournament, but it could be a blessing in disguise.
Bowlers doubt stumps Scots
And only then does Zambia fully comprehend the wisdom of the age-old dictum that even the most painful situation can be a blessing in disguise. The heroine of the last book of the South Carolina Trilogy ultimately becomes one of those resilient children described by Joyce Hansen as "strong enough not to follow the crowd even when the crowd turns out to be members of their own families" (645), and as such she is a convincing channel for values considered by Tare to be essential to the education of middle-grade readers.
African-American children and the case for community: Eleanora Tate's South Carolina trilogy