Phrase guide

look on the bright side

verb · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

verb

Meaning 1

To examine a situation, usually unfavorable, from a positive perspective; to be cheerful or optimistic.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

Examples

  • Look on the bright side. At least having a broken leg means Joyce will have to do the TPS reports until they remember to send your laptop over.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: look on the positive side

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

3 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Finnish: katsoa asian valoisaa puolta — Translations
  • French: voir le bon côté des choses — Translations
  • Polish: myśleć pozytywnie — Translations