light at the end of the tunnel


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light at the end of the tunnel

The end to something difficult or unpleasant. I've been working on this book for over a year, but I can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. Now that the doctors have been able to diagnose what's wrong with me, there is finally light at the end of the tunnel.
See also: end, light, of, tunnel

light at the end of the tunnel

The end of a difficult situation or task, the solution to a difficult problem. For example, It's taken three years to effect this merger, but we're finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel . This metaphoric expression dates from the 1800s, but became widespread only in the mid-1900s.
See also: end, light, of, tunnel

light at the end of the tunnel

COMMON If there is light at the end of the tunnel, there is hope that a difficult situation might be coming to an end. After horrific times we are seeing light at the end of the tunnel. People feel hopeless. They don't see any light at the end of the tunnel.
See also: end, light, of, tunnel

light at the end of the tunnel

a long-awaited indication that a period of hardship or adversity is nearing an end.
See also: end, light, of, tunnel

(see the) ˌlight at the end of the ˈtunnel

(see) the possibility of success, happiness, etc. in the future, especially after a long period of difficulty: Business has been bad recently, but I think we’re beginning to see some light at the end of the tunnel.
See also: end, light, of, tunnel

light at the end of the tunnel

The prospect of success, relief, or escape after strenuous effort.
See also: end, light, of, tunnel
References in periodicals archive ?
The CEOs who are going to be able to actually bask in the light at the end of the tunnel are those who do not become consumed by the pessimism of the moment and do not allow a sense of paralysis to creep into their organizations.
Amid Gloom, a note of optimism. (Editorials)
Whether the cause is arthritis, nerve pain such as sciatica, or soft tissue pain following an injury, it can last such a long time that the light at the end of the tunnel flickers and fades, and despair sets in.
Chronic pain--when the light at the end of the tunnel dims
Prime Minister Mr Tony Blair hailed the breakthrough in hopes of lifting the British beef export ban telling MPs there was now "some light at the end of the tunnel.
Blair hails welcome news from Brussels
MacKerron tries to offer some light at the end of the tunnel by outlining possible options to exploitation through nontimber product development, ecotourism, and innovative investment strategies.
Business in the Rain Forests: Corporations, Deforestation and Sustainability
The popularity of supposedly thrilling tales of high-finance derring-do recorded in the biographies of Donald Trump, Lee Iacocca, and Peter Ueberroth reassure white-collar workers that, while their own careers are dull and tedious, they don't have to be-that there is sometime, somewhere, a fluorescent light at the end of the tunnel.
Gumshoe: Reflections in a Private Eye
Rangers fans can finally see light at the end of the tunnel.
Hope opera
You show that there is light at the end of the tunnel.
Your texts
By COLM KELPIE TRANSpORT Minister Leo Varadkar said he sees light at the end of the tunnel for Ireland for the first time in the economic crisis.
Bailout is 'right step' ECONOMY
It now appears there is light at the end of the tunnel.
Credit light at the end of the tunnel; business briefing
But, according to the BBC, he believes there is some light at the end of the tunnel and if oil prices and credit markets can be stabilised, inflation should fall next year.
World Tonight: Money woes to continue
The 22-year-old said: "The last few weeks have been very frustrating but there is some light at the end of the tunnel now and I can start working towards full fitness.
IN BRIEF: Ashton targets happy Christmas
A spokesman said: 'We wanted to show our users that there is light at the end of the tunnel.
You can earn pounds 1m
With the overall shift in perception of the downtown area by many business owners, we are beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel for the area's recovery.
Small users stabilize downtown market
Bob's most acidic one-liner came when people would say there's light at the end of the tunnel.
DJBob had pun, pun, pun
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