Hope is a powerful emotion that motivates us to keep pushing forward, even in the face of adversity. It’s a theme deeply embedded in our daily language through various expressions, idioms, and phrases that convey optimism and expectation for a positive outcome. This blog post explores 20 popular expressions related to hope, each packed with cultural wisdom and linguistic flair. These phrases will enrich your vocabulary and help you express hope in diverse and poignant ways.
Expressions Related to Hope
1. Hope against hope
Meaning: To continue to hope despite it being very unlikely.
Example: She was hoping against hope for a miracle.
2. Keep your fingers crossed
Meaning: To hope for good luck or a favorable outcome.
Example: I’m keeping my fingers crossed for good weather.
3. Hold out hope
Meaning: To continue to hope for something.
Example: They still hold out hope that he’ll return.
4. A ray of hope
Meaning: A small sign that things might improve.
Example: The letter brought a ray of hope to the family.
5. Against all odds
Meaning: Despite very low probability; to hope for something when it seems impossible.
Example: She succeeded against all odds.
6. Don’t give up hope
Meaning: Encouragement to continue hoping.
Example: Don’t give up hope, things will get better.
7. Live in hope
Meaning: To be optimistic and hopeful about future events.
Example: I live in hope that one day we’ll be reunited.
8. Pin your hopes on
Meaning: To depend on something for success or happiness.
Example: He’s pinned all his hopes on this new job.
9. Hope springs eternal
Meaning: Hope is a constant in human existence; people always hope for the best.
Example: Despite the failures, hope springs eternal in his heart.
10. Cling to hope
Meaning: To continue to have hope even in difficult times.
Example: They clung to hope during the crisis.
11. A glimmer of hope
Meaning: A small indication that there is a reason to hope.
Example: We saw a glimmer of hope when the test results improved.
12. Nurture hope
Meaning: To support or encourage hope.
Example: They nurtured hope for peace through dialogue.
13. Restore one’s hope
Meaning: To bring back hope that was lost.
Example: The good news restored their hope.
14. Keep hope alive
Meaning: To continue to hope for something positive.
Example: We must keep hope alive in these challenging times.
15. To hope for the best
Meaning: To remain optimistic about an outcome.
Example: We’re hoping for the best with the new treatment.
16. Full of hope
Meaning: To be optimistic.
Example: She went into the interview full of hope.
17. Dash one’s hopes
Meaning: To destroy someone’s hopes.
Example: The cancellation of the event dashed their hopes.
18. Anchor of hope
Meaning: A source of stability and hope.
Example: Their support was my anchor of hope during dark times.
19. Build hopes up
Meaning: To increase hopes for something.
Example: Don’t build your hopes up too high for immediate results.
20. Hope fades
Meaning: To lose hope gradually.
Example: As hours passed, their hope faded.