see the glass as half empty

see the glass as half empty

To view a situation as generally worse or less hopeful than might otherwise be perceived; to be pessimistic. When it comes to the state of the world, most people see the glass as half empty. But they forget all the progress that has been made.

See also: empty, glass, half, see

(see the) ˌglass half ˈfull/half ˈempty

used to describe whether somebody has a positive or negative attitude towards something: People are prepared to see the glass half full at the moment rather than half empty. ♢ He’s a glass-half-full type of guy (= he always expects good things to happen).

See also: empty, full, glass, half