blessing in disguise

a blessing in disguise

An unfortunate event or situation that results 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.

blessing in disguise

Fig. something that at first seems bad, but later turns out to be beneficial. Tony's motorcycle accident was a blessing in disguise, because he got enough insurance money from the other driver to make a down payment on a house. Dad's illness was a blessing in disguise; it brought the family together for the first time in years.
See also: blessing, disguise
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

blessing in disguise

A misfortune that unexpectedly turns into good fortune, as in Missing the train was a blessing in disguise, for if I hadn't, I wouldn't have met my future wife . [Mid-1700s]
See also: blessing, disguise
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

blessing in disguise, a

Good luck coming out of bad; a misfortune unexpectedly turning into a good thing. “E’en crosses from his sov’reign hand are blessings in disguise,” wrote the eighteenth-century poet James Hervey, “cross” here meaning “a cross to bear,” or burden. The phrase has been a cliché for about a century.
See also: blessing
The Dictionary of Clichés by Christine Ammer
See also:
  • blessing
  • blessing in disguise, a
  • disguise
  • a blessing in disguise
  • be a blessing in disguise
  • a mixed blessing
  • mixed blessing
  • mixed blessing, a
  • go from zero to hero
  • least said soonest mended
References in periodicals archive
'On granting of GCTAs regardless of the crimes committed, now we have an opportunity to review the provisions of this law enacted in 2013 because of the public outcry and we thank that this incident happened, because it proved to be a blessing in disguise,' he said.
DOJ chief: Sanchez case outcry a blessing in disguise that prompted GCTA review
She revealed that she could have taken the mugshot off the internet but she didn't want to hide things of her and since it's an episode in her life, she saw its presence as a blessing in disguise.
Fantana explains why she was 'jailed' in USA
Summary: Dubai [UAE], June 20 (ANI): India cricket team's strength and conditioning coach Shankar Basu believes that failing yo-yo test was a 'blessing in disguise' for pacer Mohammed Shami as his determination increased many folds following the incident.
Failing yo-yo test was blessing in disguise for Shami: Shankar Basu
MATT PRIOR insists England's Caribbean Test misery can only prove an Ashes blessing in disguise.
PRIOR: WINDIES' WAKE-UP CALL
AVC losses a 'blessing in disguise' for Pinay spikers, says coach !-- -- Voltaire Mendoza (philstar.com) - September 19, 2018 - 4:39pm MANILA, Philippines ndash Despite bowing out of contention, the Philippines remains positive, knowing that its exposure in the AVC Asian Women's Volleyball Cup will be a major help as far as reaching their goal is concerned.
AVC losses a 'blessing in disguise' for Pinay spikers, says coach
Vicente refused to give details about their meeting but the women's national team head coach said it was a blessing in disguise as he could focus solidly on University of the East's (UE) campaign in Season 80 of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) women's volleyball tournament that starts next month.
Coach Vicente part ways with Life Savers
Pune are currently second bottom in the IPL standings with only one win from four matches and captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni said Pietersen's injury could be a "blessing in disguise" for the team, who have 10 more regular season matches remaining.
Pietersen IPL season over after calf injury
AIDAN O'BRIEN feels it could be a blessing in disguise John F Kennedy and Ol' Man River have failed to fire this season.
Aid keeps faith in star duo
"This could be a blessing in disguise for the new manager and for the squad."
Start is a boost to us - Rio; FOOTBALL ROUND-UP
Sometimes close can be a burden Sometimes, a blessing in disguise Bonds linked so closely create a tortured route for teenaged lies.
Close Love--A Bop
A Republican legislator in Arkansas under fire for writing that slavery may have been a "blessing in disguise" for African-Americans blasted the state's top Democrats in a letter published Thursday, comparing them to Nazis for criticizing him and two other GOP candidates for similarly controversial comments.
Hubbard likens Beebe, McDaniel to Nazis
EARLY-season injuries to Chris Woakes and Boyd Rankin could turn out to be a "blessing in disguise" for Warwickshire, reckons bowling coach Graeme Welch.
Welch: Injuries could work in Bears' favour
HILL OF BEATH gaffer Jock Finlayson insists his absence this season has been a blessing in disguise.
STAND-INS ARE STAND-OUTS; ROUND-UP
Many of Europe's business people, when brooding over these regulations, must be echoing Winston Churchill, who, when told by his wife that his recent election defeat was a blessing in disguise, replied, "At the moment it seems very effectively disguised."
A very effective disguise
MANCHESTER City boss Roberto Mancini insists Wednesday's Carling Cup exit to West Brom is a "blessing in disguise".
Blessing in disguise