Good things come to those who wait

You are wondering about the meaning of the phrase Good things come to those who wait, maybe you heard it in a TV show, movie or theater play. Although this idiom is not used very often, it enriches your capacity of expression and strengthens communication. In which case is the expression Good things come to those who wait used and what is its meaning?

Meaning of "Good things come to those who wait"

Meaning

The idiom ‘good things come to those who wait’ is an expression used to communicate that in due course, people will be rewarded for their patience. This phrase is meant to be encouraging and to provide comfort to someone who is facing a difficult and uncertain situation. It is often used to reassure people that the outcome of a situation may take some time, but that it will ultimately be positive.

Etymology

The origin of the phrase is uncertain, however it is known to have been used in the mid fourteenth century. The earliest recorded use of the phrase appears in a poem by John Lydgate, an English poet from the late Middle Ages, published in 1390. In his work, Lydgate wrote “God must of necessity be good and true, For he rewardeth all that longeth and waiteth”. This line is believed to be the earliest written version of the phrase.

Over the centuries the phrase has been used in various ways, but has generally held the same meaning. In the nineteenth century the phrase was used in print by various authors, with some versions featuring slight variations of the phrase. For example, in 1854, British author William Makepeace Thackeray wrote “we may be sure that good comes to him that waits” in his novel The Newcomes.

Usage

The idiom ‘good things come to those who wait’ is often used to provide comfort and encouragement in difficult and uncertain times. It is also used to remind people to remain patient, as the outcome of a situation or event may take some time, but it will be positive. This phrase is typically used in a reassuring manner, particularly when someone is feeling frustrated, overwhelmed, or defeated.

The phrase can also be used in a more light-hearted manner in cases where someone is showing impatience. For instance, if someone is constantly demanding to know the outcome of a situation, the phrase ‘good things come to those who wait’ is often used to remind them to be patient.

Example Sentences

• “Don't worry, good things come to those who wait.”
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Idioms with similar meaning

"Don't judge a book by its cover" is an English idiom that means you shouldn't make assumptions about someone or something based solely on its appearance. In Japanese, the similar idiom is "Hana yori dango," which translates to "Dumplings rather than flowers." This idiom means that substance is more important than appearance.