count one’s blessings: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘count one's blessings’ mean?
The idiom count one's blessings means to appreciate and be grateful for what one has rather than focusing on what one lacks.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom *thank one's lucky stars* means to feel grateful or fortunate for something. It suggests that one is acknowledging the role of luck or chance in their good fortune.
The idiom "earn one's keep" means to work and contribute enough to cover one's own expenses or be useful and deserving of the resources one receives. It conveys the idea of being self-supporting or proving one's worth through hard work and productivity.
The idiom "down on one's uppers" means to be in a state of poverty or financial hardship.
The idiom "down on one's luck" means having a period of misfortune or bad luck.
The idiom "down on one's luck" is a commonly used phrase in the English language. It refers to a period of misfortune or bad luck that an individual is experiencing. Although the exact origins of this idiom are unclear, it has been used in various contexts for many years.
The idiom "cover one's bases" means to take precautions or make preparations in order to minimize risks or ensure a successful outcome.
The idiom "collect one's thoughts" means to take a moment to gather and organize one's ideas or to calm one's mind in order to think more clearly.
The idiom *chalk something up to experience* means to consider a mistake or failure as a valuable lesson learned, rather than dwelling on the negative outcome.
The idiom "catch a break" means to finally receive some much-needed luck or positive outcome after a period of hardship or bad luck.
The idiom "catch a break" is a commonly used phrase in American English. It is often used to express the desire or need for a stroke of luck or a favorable turn of events. While its exact origin is unclear, its meaning encompasses seeking a moment of respite or relief from adversity.
The idiom "catch one's breath" means to pause and take a moment to rest after exertion or excitement, usually to recover from physical or emotional exhaustion.
The idiom "carry one's weight" means to do one's fair share of work or responsibility in a group or team.
The idiom "carry one's weight" is a commonly used expression in the English language. It means to fulfill one's responsibilities or contribute one's fair share of work. This idiom is often used in both professional and personal contexts, and it conveys a sense of accountability and fairness.
Hidden Riches
"thank one's lucky stars" is another idiom that is related to the concept of counting one's blessings. This idiom is used to express gratitude or relief for a stroke of good fortune or luck. It is often used when something positive happens unexpectedly or when one narrowly avoids a negative outcome.
When we count our blessings, we are acknowledging the good things in our lives and expressing gratitude for them. This can include recognizing the fortunate circumstances or opportunities that have come our way. By doing so, we are essentially thanking our lucky stars for the positive aspects of our lives.
For example, imagine a person who has been struggling to find a job for months. They have faced rejection and disappointment along the way. However, one day they receive a job offer from a company they've always dreamed of working for. In this situation, they can thank their lucky stars for the opportunity and the stroke of good fortune that came their way.
"catch a break" is another idiom that is related to counting one's blessings. This idiom is used to describe a situation where someone finally experiences a positive turn of events or receives a much-needed opportunity or break.
When we count our blessings, we are acknowledging and appreciating the positive turns of events that come our way. This includes recognizing those moments when we catch a break and experience a positive shift in our circumstances.
For example, imagine a student who has been studying tirelessly for an upcoming exam. They have put in long hours of preparation and are feeling the pressure. However, on the day of the exam, they discover that the test is unexpectedly postponed. In this situation, they can count their blessings and acknowledge that they have caught a break by getting some extra time to prepare and alleviate their stress.
"down on one's luck" is an idiom that contrasts with the idea of counting one's blessings. This idiom is used to describe a situation where someone is experiencing a period of bad luck or misfortune.
When we count our blessings, we are focusing on the positive aspects of our lives and expressing gratitude for them. This contrasts with the perspective of being down on one's luck, which emphasizes the negative aspects or challenges one may be facing.
For example, imagine a person who has recently been laid off from their job and is struggling to make ends meet. They may feel like they are down on their luck and facing a series of unfortunate events. However, by counting their blessings, they can shift their perspective and find solace in the fact that they still have their health, supportive friends or family, and other positive aspects in their lives.
"breathe a sigh of relief" is another idiom that relates to the concept of counting one's blessings. This idiom is used to describe a feeling of relief or comfort after a period of tension, worry, or uncertainty.
When we count our blessings, we are acknowledging the positive aspects of our lives and expressing gratitude for them. This can often lead to a sense of relief or comfort, as we shift our focus from what could have gone wrong to what is going right.
For example, imagine a person who has been waiting to hear back about a job interview they recently had. They have been anxious and worried about the outcome. Finally, they receive a call offering them the position. In this situation, they can count their blessings and breathe a sigh of relief, knowing that their hard work and preparation paid off.
"collect one's thoughts" is another idiom that can be related to counting one's blessings. This idiom is used to describe the act of gathering one's ideas, emotions, or composure in order to think more clearly or make a decision.
When we count our blessings, we are taking a moment to reflect on and appreciate the positive aspects of our lives. This can help us collect our thoughts and gain a sense of clarity or perspective.
For example, imagine a person who is feeling overwhelmed and stressed about their hectic schedule and numerous responsibilities. They decide to take a few minutes to count their blessings and focus on the positive aspects of their life. By doing so, they can collect their thoughts and gain a renewed sense of clarity and purpose.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "count one's blessings" can be used in a sentence include:
- After a near-death experience, Sarah learned to count her blessings and appreciate each day.
- Even though Jack faced financial difficulties, he still counted his blessings for having a loving family.
- In the face of adversity, Mary always remembered to count her blessings and find gratitude in the little things.
More "Gratitude" idioms
