Wordxplr

The meaning and origin of interesting English phrases

Everything comes up roses

Meaning

Every situation, despite potential initial difficulties, ultimately turns out perfectly or favorably.

Origin

The phrase beautifully evokes the blooming of roses as a symbol of success, beauty, and good fortune. While the sentiment existed earlier, it burst into the popular lexicon with the 1959 Broadway musical Gypsy. The show features a powerful, iconic song titled "Everything's Coming Up Roses," sung by the formidable stage mother Rose. In the song, she defiantly declares her certainty that, despite all obstacles and disappointments, her daughter—and by extension, herself—will achieve stardom and all the good things life has to offer. This theatrical moment cemented the phrase as a vibrant, optimistic declaration of impending triumph and blossoming prosperity, transforming a simple floral image into a powerful idiom of unwavering hope.

Examples

  • After months of hard work and setbacks, she finally got the promotion she wanted, proving that everything comes up roses in the end.
  • Despite initial challenges, their new business venture thrived beyond all expectations, and soon everything was coming up roses.
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