What does “All's well that ends well” mean?
"All's well that ends well" means that everything is considered good or satisfactory as long as it has a positive or favorable outcome.
What context can I use the in?
Example
We had a few setbacks along the way, but all's well that ends well.
Example
They had a rough start, but all's well that ends well and they came out victorious.
Example
The journey was challenging, but all's well that ends well and we achieved our goal
Is “All's well that ends well” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“All's well that ends well” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “All's well that ends well” effectively in context?
You can use "All's well that ends well" to express the idea that as long as something has a positive outcome, any difficulties or challenges along the way are ultimately insignificant. It emphasizes the importance of the final result. For example, if a friend is worried about a project that encountered some obstacles, you might say, 'Don't worry, "all's well that ends well". You'll still achieve success.'
- 1Relationships
They had a few disagreements, but all's well that ends well. They made up and are now stronger than ever.
- 2Travel
The flight was delayed, and they missed their connecting flight, but all's well that ends well. They arrived safely at their destination.
- 3Sports
They were losing for most of the game, but all's well that ends well. They scored a last-minute goal and won the match.
Similar phrases to “All's well that ends well”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “All's well that ends well” come from?
The origin of the phrase "All's well that ends well" can be traced back to William Shakespeare's play of the same name, which was first performed in the early 17th century. The phrase is the title of one of Shakespeare's comedies and has since become a popular proverb.
Is “All's well that ends well” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "All's well that ends well" is a commonly used proverb in everyday conversation. It is often used to provide reassurance or to reflect on a situation that had a positive outcome despite initial difficulties.
What tone does “All's well that ends well” have?
"All's well that ends well" conveys a tone of optimism and perspective. It suggests that even if things don't go smoothly at first, as long as the final result is favorable, everything will be considered good in the end.
Can “All's well that ends well” be used in informal and formal settings?
The phrase "All's well that ends well" is considered a formal expression. It is commonly used in both spoken and written English, including formal speeches, presentations, and academic writing. However, it can also be used in informal conversations among friends and family.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
The phrase is typically used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'We faced many challenges, but "all's well that ends well", and we achieved our goal.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Well, "all's well that ends well"!' to imply that everything turned out fine in the end.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- everything ends well that ends well
- in the end, it's all good
- as long as it turns out well, it's all good
- the outcome is what matters
- it's the result that counts
Antonyms
- the journey matters more than the destination
- it's not how it ends, but how you get there
- the process is more important than the outcome
- the means justify the end
- it's not all good if it doesn't end well
