T-learning # Idiom
Speak Like a Native

a blessing in disguise

Choose the correct definition a, b or c.

a) an indirect insult

Sorry, wrong answer. Please try again.

b) a disabling injury

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c) good news from bad

Well done ! That’s the right answer.

A blessing in disguise is an apparent difficulty which turns out to have advantages, a situation which could result in a positive outcome.

French translation

un mal pour un bien

How NOT to translate : *une bénédiction déguisée

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Examples in context

‘Could the economic crisis be a blessing ?

Every crisis is an opportunity and this crisis could also prove to be a blessing in disguise if the right steps are taken. (…)
The moral of the story is to use the crisis productively and take some hard decisions. After all, good decisions always happen to any economy in the midst of bad times. India, rather not waste this economic crisis !’

IIFL, 14 Nov. 2019

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‘Why WeWork’s collapse could be a blessing in disguise for China’s co-working sector

While the fallout from the turmoil at shared office provider WeWork has been severe in China, it will accelerate consolidation in the sector and prompt co-working providers to move towards corporate clients.’

South China Morning Post, 12 Nov. 2019

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Everyday usage

Failing the exam was a blessing in disguise for I ended working in the movie industry.

Paul missed the train, and it was a blessing in disguise because it was the one that collided with a lorry near Birmingham.


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