blessing
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give thanks for small blessings
To appreciate small or minor benefits, advantages, or opportunities one is afforded, particularly in the midst of an otherwise difficult, frustrating, or unfortunate situation or circumstance. My car's air conditioning stopped working two hours into my cross-country road trip. The radio still works, though, so I suppose I should give thanks for small blessings. Our son's accident left him without the use of his right eye; we're just giving thanks for small blessings that he still has the use of his left one.
be grateful for small blessings
To appreciate small or minor benefits, advantages, or opportunities one is afforded, particularly in the midst of an otherwise difficult, frustrating, or unfortunate situation or circumstance. My car's air conditioning stopped working two hours into my cross-country road trip across America. The radio still works, though, so I guess I should be grateful for small blessings. Our son's accident left him without the use of his right eye; we're just grateful for small blessings that he still has the use of his left one.
count (one's) blessings
To reflect on the good things in one's life and be grateful for them. I know you're disappointed that you didn't come in first, but so many other incredible things have happened to you this year. Count your blessings, my darling. I try to count my blessings every day—it's a great antidote to sadness!
a blessing in disguise
An unfortunate event or situation that results in an unforeseen positive outcome. Running late for work turned out to be a blessing in disguise. I would have been in the middle of that big multi-car pileup had I left the house on time.
be a blessing in disguise
To result in an unforeseen positive outcome. Running late for work turned out to be a blessing in disguise. I would have been in the middle of that big multi-car pileup had I left the house on time.
be a mixed blessing
To have both positive and negative results. My new promotion will be a mixed blessing for my family because I'll get a substantial raise, but I'll have to work longer hours too.
blessing in disguise
Fig. something that at first seems bad, but later turns out to be beneficial. Tony's motorcycle accident was a blessing in disguise, because he got enough insurance money from the other driver to make a down payment on a house. Dad's illness was a blessing in disguise; it brought the family together for the first time in years.
*thankful for small blessings
grateful for any small benefits or advantages one has, especially in a generally difficult situation. (Typically: be ~; become ~.) We have very little money, but we must be thankful for small blessings. At least we have enough food. Bob was badly injured in the accident, but at least he's still alive. Let's be thankful for small blessings.
with my blessing
a phrase expressing consent or agreement; yes. Bob: Can I take this old coat down to the rummage sale? Sue: With my blessing. Mary: Shall I drive Uncle Tom to the airport a few hours early? Sue: Oh, yes! With my blessing!
See also: blessing
blessing in disguise
A misfortune that unexpectedly turns into good fortune, as in Missing the train was a blessing in disguise, for if I hadn't, I wouldn't have met my future wife . [Mid-1700s]
give thanks for small blessings
Express gratitude for a minor favor or advantage, as in My bag didn't get on the plane but it did arrive in time-give thanks for small blessings. This expression is usually uttered when one encounters an unexpected bit of good fortune.
mixed blessing
Something that has both good and bad features, as in Being accepted by the college was a mixed blessing, since she couldn't afford the tuition . [First half of 1900s]
a blessing in disguise
COMMON If an event is a blessing in disguise, it causes problems at first, but later brings greater advantages. Franklin's illness proved a blessing in disguise, for it gave him strength and courage which he had not had before. The defeat might be a blessing in disguise — she now avoids a quarter final clash with America's Linda Harvey-Wild. Other observers feel the split may be a blessing in disguise for the organization.