ray of hope
Sliver of encouragement
A ray of hope is a small sign that a bad situation might improve.
The image is of light breaking through darkness—even a single ray suggests the sun exists behind the clouds.
After months of failed treatments, the new test results offered a ray of hope.
The phrase typically appears when circumstances are otherwise grim.
Structural support member
- sunbeamShaft of daylight
- shaftNarrow vertical passage
- glimmerFaint, wavering light
- gleamFaint reflected light
glow · shimmer · luminescence · illumination · daybreak · dawn · sunrise · sunshine
Consolation within misfortune
- beaconGuiding light source
- glimmerFaint, wavering light
- flickerUnsteady, brief light
- sparkTiny fiery particle
dawn · breakthrough · lifeline · godsend · blessing · salvation · redemption · reprieve
Tendency to expect good
- encouragementSupport spurring continued effort
- upliftRaise emotionally or physically
- comfortEase or soothing relief
- solaceRelief from distress
reassurance · faith · belief · confidence · trust · expectation · anticipation · aspiration
Sudden important advance
- upturnImprovement in conditions
- improvementPositive change in quality
- progressMovement toward improvement
- opportunityFavorable circumstance for advancement
chance · possibility · opening · prospect · outlook · prognosis · turnaround · recovery
beam
Structural support member
gleam · glow · shimmer · luminescence · illumination · daybreak · dawn · sunrise · sunshine · golden hour
silver lining
Consolation within misfortune
spark · dawn · breakthrough · lifeline · godsend · blessing · salvation · redemption · reprieve · turning point
optimism
Tendency to expect good
- encouragementSupport spurring continued effort
- upliftRaise emotionally or physically
- comfortEase or soothing relief
solace · reassurance · faith · belief · confidence · trust · expectation · anticipation · aspiration · inspiration
breakthrough
Sudden important advance
- upturnImprovement in conditions
- improvementPositive change in quality
- progressMovement toward improvement
opportunity · chance · possibility · opening · prospect · outlook · prognosis · turnaround · recovery · relief
- encouragementencourage, encouraging, praises, hang in there, supports
- hopeoptimism, expectation, anticipation, wish, aspiration
- hopeful signssilver lining, glimmer, gleam, spark, green shoots
- rayssunray, stingray, giant manta
ray of hopedespair
Total absence of hope
hopelessness · gloom · despondency · desperation · bleakness
ray of hopelost cause
Endeavor certain to fail
dead end · foregone conclusion · death knell · nail in the coffin · final blow
ray, rays, rayed, hope, hopes, hoped, hoping, hopeful, hopefully