every silver lining has a cloud
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Meaning · English
Every good situation has the potential to turn bad.
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Examples
A great partnership isn't a self-maintaining entity. Perseverance and persistence make it thrive. For every silver lining has a cloud. Ignorance of this reality is not an option.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “every silver lining has a cloud” mean?
Every good situation has the potential to turn bad.
Is “every silver lining has a cloud” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.