It is always darkest before the dawn

Definitions

discouragement
Advising against engaging in a particular activity or task, cautioning that it will not result in any positive outcome or benefit
hope
Expressing optimism by suggesting that difficult times are often followed by better ones

Examples of It is always darkest before the dawn

She had just lost her job, her car had broken down, and her boyfriend had left her. She felt like her life was at its lowest point.

This example demonstrates the idiom "It is always darkest before the dawn" in a personal context. It means that sometimes, when things seem to be at their worst, it could be a sign that things are about to get better. This is often reflected in the phrase "before the dawn", representing the hope that a new day is about to emerge from the darkness of the night. In other words, even if things seem bleak, one should not give up hope, as better days are yet to come.
After a long and grueling battle, the army found themselves completely outnumbered, depleted of resources, and emotionally exhausted.

This example demonstrates the use of the idiom in a historical or military context. It implies that before a significant victory, there is often a period of intense struggle, during which the situation seems defeatist and hopeless. At such times, perseverance, resilience, and determination are required, as success often follows an intense and challenging period.
The economy had been in a tailspin for years, and various financial institutions had been crumbling left, right, and center. Central banks had slashed interest rates to new lows in a bid to stimulate lending, but it seemed like every day, more companies were announcing layoffs and business closures.

This example demonstrates how the idiom is applied to financial and economic situations. It means that during times of severe economic downturn, there is always hope for recovery, and things will eventually get better. It suggests that when one is weathering a financial storm, one should remain resilient and persevere, as there is always light at the end of the tunnel.
She was a top-performing student in high school, but when she entered college, she found herself struggling to cope. Her grades slipped, and her confidence plummeted.

This example demonstrates how the idiom is used in academic contexts. It implies that sometimes, when one is adjusting to a new academic environment, there is an initial period of struggle and adjustment. It can be overwhelming, and success may seem far away, but with perseverance, the situation will eventually improve, and newfound success will follow. This is a reminder that often, before achieving academic success, one may have to navigate through a phase of uncertainty and struggle.
During the company's financial crisis, the CEO assured the employees that things would get better. She said, "This is the darkest hour before the dawn. Hold on tight, and we'll come out of this stronger than ever."

This idiom is used to describe a situation where things seem very bleak or difficult, but improvement or resolution is on the horizon. It suggests that better times are coming, and the current hardship will soon pass.
After months of struggling to put food on the table, Sarah's luck started to turn. She said, "I know it's been a long and difficult road, but I finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. This is the darkest point before the dawn."

This use of the idiom represents a personal experience of hardship, but offers hope for a better future. It suggests that the individual's determination and persistence will lead them out of a difficult situation.
Researchers have been working on a cure for cancer for years, but progress has been slow. One scientist declared, "I believe we are nearing the darkest moment before the dawn. We have so many promising leads, and I know we are getting closer to finding a cure."

This use of the idiom applies to scientific or medical research, but offers encouragement to those involved in the work. It suggests that progress may stall at certain points, but ultimately positive results will be achieved.
In the midst of a financial recession, a politician assured his constituents that things would get better. He said, "These are the darkest hours before the dawn. We must have faith that this storm will pass, and brighter days lie ahead."

This use of the idiom is related to politics and economics, and is often used to offer hope to citizens during times of financial hardship. It suggests that the government is working on solutions to the economic crisis, and better times are on the horizon.

Conclusion

This idiom is used to either discourage someone from pursuing a certain course of action or to provide hope and optimism in the face of difficult circumstances. It can be used to caution against making hasty decisions or to provide reassurance during challenging times.

Origin of "It is always darkest before the dawn"

The origin of this idiom can be traced back to ancient Roman and Greek philosophy. The concept of "the darkest hour is just before the dawn" has been attributed to various philosophers and writers throughout history, including Thomas Fuller and Thomas Carlyle. The idea behind this phrase is that difficult or challenging times are often followed by better ones, and that hope and optimism should be maintained even in the face of adversity. The phrase has since become a common proverb used to provide encouragement and reassurance during tough times.