light at the end of the tunnel

light at the end of the tunnel

The end to something difficult or unpleasant. I've been working on this book for over a year, but I can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. Now that the doctors have been able to diagnose what's wrong with me, there is finally light at the end of the tunnel.
See also: end, light, of, tunnel
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

light at the end of the tunnel

The end of a difficult situation or task, the solution to a difficult problem. For example, It's taken three years to effect this merger, but we're finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel . This metaphoric expression dates from the 1800s, but became widespread only in the mid-1900s.
See also: end, light, of, tunnel
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

light at the end of the tunnel

COMMON If there is light at the end of the tunnel, there is hope that a difficult situation might be coming to an end. After horrific times we are seeing light at the end of the tunnel. People feel hopeless. They don't see any light at the end of the tunnel.
See also: end, light, of, tunnel
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

light at the end of the tunnel

a long-awaited indication that a period of hardship or adversity is nearing an end.
See also: end, light, of, tunnel
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

(see the) ˌlight at the end of the ˈtunnel

(see) the possibility of success, happiness, etc. in the future, especially after a long period of difficulty: Business has been bad recently, but I think we’re beginning to see some light at the end of the tunnel.
See also: end, light, of, tunnel
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

light at the end of the tunnel

The prospect of success, relief, or escape after strenuous effort.
See also: end, light, of, tunnel
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition.
See also:
  • anticipointment
  • culminate
  • culminate in
  • culminate in (something)
  • stick it out
  • make an end of (something)
  • cash up
  • see the light at the end of the tunnel
  • draw to a close
  • stick it to the end
References in periodicals archive
The essays of the production conclude with what Kimball sees as a light at the end of the tunnel in work coming from studios where a talented new breed of artist (John Dubrow and William Bailey, for example), have rejected the trend.
Art's Prospect
The chairman of troubled Black Country printer Cradley Group said he could see light at the end of the tunnel after the company halved its pre-tax losses in the last six months of 2003.
Light at end of tunnel for Cradley printers
At last there is some light at the end of the tunnel. President Kabila, who came to power in 2001 when his father was assassinated, has committed his government to a policy of reconciliation and power-sharing with the rebel forces.
Paying the price of peace: John Bond hears from Africans who are risking their lives to end conflict
PIMA's leaders have had such great success that we see light at the end of the tunnel for our industry.
The president's corner
Clearly, these are difficult economic times and the light at the end of the tunnel appears to be getting farther and farther away.
Financial wake-up call: from advice on homeownership to unemployment, our economists offer strategies on how to secure your financial future. (B.E. Board Of Economists Report)
As Corning CEO Jamie Houghton quipped to Chief Executive last month, "We can see the light at the end of the tunnel. We just don't know how long the tunnel is."
Amid Gloom, a note of optimism. (Editorials)
Other religious monuments like the Glory Hole and various other tube-like th eology attract yearly pilgrimages from devoted followers who rabidly wander the globe in search of seeing the light at the end of the tunnel, Their work will never stop and it is getting even harder to do nowadays.
The trail never goes cold
Of his unfortunate injury, he added: "I'm starting to see light at the end of the tunnel."
Wolverhampton: Headland boost for crocked Eustace
Some of the emotionally wounded are emerging from the shock phase of recovery, seeing some light at the end of the tunnel, but most importantly, gathering a sense of mission about what happened and what must be done.
Needed: determination and vision. (President's Page)
We felt misrepresented in that decision." However, as Bishop Jim Cruickshank visited communities to reassure people, "we began to see that light at the end of the tunnel."
Land claims are top priority, (David) Crawley tells Kootenay synod
We are finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. I feel very positive we will see substantive change in the next couple years.
Moving ahead: an interview with MTMC's commanding general
and Quotesmith.com, two of the leaders in the market, say they see light at the end of the tunnel.
Insurance aggregators see opportunity in tough market. (Technology)
The light at the end of the tunnel that is being promised is that ultimately, the industry will be better off when capacity is more in line with demand.
Editor's focus
He presents a hopeful message that sexual addiction can be overcome and that there is light at the end of the tunnel. (email:caringministries@earthlink.net)
Matters of Faith
2 MICHEL HOUELLEBECQ, THE ELEMENTARY PARTICLES (Knopf, 2000) Ideal summer reading: unremittingly depressing, with little or no light at the end of the tunnel. A fine riposte to the lazy liberalism and bourgeois hedonism of the soixante-huit-ers, a generation Michel Houellebecq so rightly despises.
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