A gift in disguise
/ə ɡɪft ɪn dɪsˈɡaɪz/
B2
Definition
This phrase describes a situation or event that looks like a problem or trouble at first but later shows itself to be a positive or helpful thing. It is like a hidden good thing inside something that seems bad.
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See It in Action
Something that seems negative but turns out positive
- •Losing my phone was a gift in disguise because I met a helpful stranger while looking for it.
- •The delay was a gift in disguise; it gave us extra time to prepare.
- •Her failure felt like a gift in disguise because it made her try harder and succeed later.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "a gift in disguise" like "good surprise" but hidden inside something that looks bad first.
- ✓Picture a wrapped present that looks plain or ugly outside, but inside there is a wonderful gift.
- ✓It's the feeling when something goes wrong but then you realize it helped you in a way you did not expect.
- ✓Sounds like "a GIFT in dis-GUISE" → imagine a gift wearing a mask to hide its true value.
- ✓Think of stories where something bad happens but later turns out to be lucky, like losing a job but finding a better one.
- ✓NOT like "gift" alone (which is clearly good), this phrase means the gift is hidden or not obvious at first.
- ✓NOT like "problem" alone (which is bad), here the problem has a positive side that appears later.
Try Other Words
- •Blessing in disguise: a good thing that seems bad at first (Use when you want a similar phrase common in English)
- •Hidden benefit: a positive part that is not easy to see (Use when focusing on the positive aspect inside a bad situation)
- •Silver lining: a hopeful or good part in a bad situation (Use when emphasizing hope or positive side)
Unboxing
- •Phrase parts: "a gift" (something given, good) + "in disguise" (hidden or covered to look different)
- •Etymology: "Disguise" comes from Old French, meaning to hide or change appearance; "gift" from Old English meaning something given freely
- •Historical development: The phrase comes from the idea that good things can be hidden inside bad appearances
- •Modern usage: Used to comfort or explain that bad events may bring good results later
Reflect & Connect
•Can you think of a time when something bad happened but later became a gift in disguise for you?
•How does thinking about problems as gifts in disguise change the way you feel about challenges?
Fill in the blanks
1.Sometimes, losing something important can be a gift in disguise because it ___ you to discover something better.
2.When a plan fails, it can turn out to be a gift in disguise if it ___ you to try a new idea.
3.A gift in disguise often appears when people feel ___ at first but later see the good side.
4.Unlike a simple problem, a gift in disguise has a ___ benefit hidden inside.
5.People say "a gift in disguise" to describe situations that seem bad but actually ___ helpful.
6.The phrase "a gift in disguise" means the gift is ___ and not easy to see at first.
7.When he missed the bus, it was a gift in disguise because it ___ him to meet an old friend.