be for the best

To be a positive occurrence (especially when it initially seems bad or problematic). This is usually an expression of hope or insight after something has gone awry. I had to go home and change after spilling coffee on myself, but it was for the best because I avoided a major traffic jam. I was really disappointed to get rejected from my first-choice school, but I think it will be for the best because now I won't be so far from home. Tom, I love you, but we do nothing but fight lately. I think it would be for the best if we broke up.

be (all) for the ˈbest

have a good result, though it does not seem good at first: I was very disappointed when I didn’t get the job but now I think it was for the best. I don’t think I would have liked it.