Entry 1
A blessing in disguise
Meaning An apparent misfortune that works to the eventual benefit of the recipient.
Usage Widely used.
Example
- Breaking my arm was a blessing in disguise. I married the nurse.
Pronunciation
Idioms · 10 entries
Happiness
What does "Happiness" mean?
An apparent misfortune that works to the eventual benefit of the recipient.
A blessing in disguise
The United Kingdom.
A place in the sun
The United Kingdom, early 20th century. An allusion to a literal pleasant retirement location.
A sight for sore eyes
The United Kingdom - 18th century.
As high as a kite
1. Britain - 17th century. It probably refers to Red Kites, birds that were common in the UK in the 17th century, rather than children’s kites. 2. USA.
Happy sad
Britain, 19th century.
Head over heels
Britain, 18th century.
Many happy returns
Britain, 18th century.
On cloud nine
USA, 20th century.
Quality time
USA, 20th century.
Red letter day
Britain - 15th century.
Entry 2
A place in the sun
Meaning An idealistic dream of a sunny hideaway.
Usage Worldwide, not not common.
Example
- We’ve been lucky, we managed to buy ourselves a place in the sun for our retirement.
Pronunciation
Entry 3
A sight for sore eyes
Meaning A welcome sight that you weren’t expecting.
Usage Worldwide.
Example
- Wow. You’re a sight for sore eyes. They told me you were abroad and would miss my wedding.
Pronunciation
Entry 4
As high as a kite
Meaning 1. Very high up in the sky. 2. High on drugs or excitement.
Usage 1. In the UK. 2. Worldwide.
Example
- 1. The Petronas Tower is as high as a kite. 2. She was ecstatic that she won the gold medal. She was high as a kite afterwards.
Pronunciation
Entry 5
Happy sad
Meaning A bittersweet feeling combining both happiness and sadness.
Usage Worldwide, but not commonly used.
Example
- Dad won the Bafta for best actor but was too ill to collect it, so I'm happy sad about that.
Pronunciation
Entry 6
Head over heels
Meaning Very excited, especially when in love.
Usage Worldwide.
Example
- She said yes! We are to be married and I'm head over heels.
Pronunciation
Entry 7
Many happy returns
Meaning A toast given to someone on their birthday.
Usage Worldwide. This idiom has to have a claim for being spoken by more people more frequently than any other in the language.
Example
- The old fella is 80 today - many happy returns Grandad.
Pronunciation
Entry 8
On cloud nine
Meaning Blissfully happy.
Usage Worldwide.
Example
- The day after George proposed to her, Mildred won the lottery. She's on cloud nine.
Pronunciation
Entry 9
Quality time
Meaning Time spent with a child, spouse or friend in an uninterrupted and attentive way.
Usage Worldwide.
Example
- I've been working 12 hours a day this week and haven't been home once for the toddler's bedtime. This weekend I'm going to give them some quality time and take them to the zoo
Pronunciation
Entry 10
Red letter day
Meaning A significant, important or happy day.
Usage Worldwide.
Example
- Mom will be a hundred years old on the 23rd. That's a real red-letter day for the family.
Pronunciation