It's always darkest just before the dawn

Meaning:

• This proverb means that when things are extremely bad, it may signal that they are about to get much better.
• We say this when we want to imply that there is hope, even in the worst of circumstances.

Note: You can also say: The darkest hour is just before the dawn.


Example sentence:

I know you are going through a difficult period of your life but be an optimist : It's always darkest just before the dawn.


Questions for you to answer:

1. When was the darkest hour for you? Can you remember a situation which looked desperate but finally improved?
2. Can you think of any other idioms where light, sun rays or the sunshine represent something positive?
3. How does this proverb relate to Every cloud has a silver lining?

At the drop of a hat

Meaning:

• Immediately; instantly; on the slightest signal or urging
• Suddenly, without any planning and for no obvious reason

Example sentence:

I'd definitely like to join you. Just say the word and I'll be there at the drop of a hat.


Questions for you to answer:

1. Do you usually do things at the drop of a hat or do you procrastinate?
2. How would you describe a person who does what other people want at the drop of a hat?
3. Do you know anybody who does things at the drop of a hat and later thinks about the consequences?

I'll cross that bridge when I come to it.

Meaning:

• This is something that you say to tell someone that you will not worry about a possible problem but will deal with it if it happens.

Example sentence:

I know this might cause us a lot of trouble and it will be a lot of extra work, but there's no need to worry now; we'll see when the project is launched. I'll cross that bridge when I come to it.


Questions for you to answer:

1. Do you often worry about possible problems before they actually happen?
2. What adjectives would you use to describe a person who worries too much about possible problems?
3. How does this idiom relate to "Don't count your chickens (before they're hatched)"?

 

Be as hard as nails

 Meaning:

• When somebody is as hard as nails, they have no feelings or sympathy for other people.

Example sentence:

Why don't you tell your partner about your true feelings? - I can't. She would never understand it because she's as hard as nails.


Questions for you to answer:

1. Do you know anybody who's as hard as nails? What adjectives would you use to describe the person?
2. Do you think it's sometimes necessary to be as hard as nails? In which situations?
3. When did you last have to be as hard as nails, or at least pretend so?  

 

Without/beyond a shadow of a doubt

Meaning:

• If something is true without/beyond a shadow of a doubt, there is no doubt that it is true.
• You are certain of it without the smallest amount of doubt.

Example sentence:

Are you sure this is going to work? It looks suspicious. - Yes, I'm certain - without a shadow of a doubt.


Questions for you to answer:

1. Can you think of any hypotheses that were recently proved without a shadow of a doubt?
2. Are you usually certain of things without a shadow of a doubt or are you rather suspicious and sceptical?
3. Are there any people you can trust without a shadow of a doubt?