light at the end of the tunnel

Idioms  

1. The end of a difficult situation or task, the solution to a difficult problem. For example, It's taken three years to effect this merger, but we're finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. This metaphoric expression dates from the 1800s, but became widespread only in the mid-1900s.

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Example Sentences

But with the smallest solar package from Hernandez's company costing $2,000, most Cubans have yet to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

From Barron's • Feb. 11, 2026

“We see light at the end of the tunnel for both gold and silver,” says Cardillo.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 3, 2026

He said he had recently started to receive professional help and assured fans "there is light at the end of the tunnel".

From BBC • Dec. 15, 2025

“But every time that we think there’s no light at the end of the tunnel, there’s hope. The carwasheros — they show up. There’s no other way.”

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 18, 2025

Oh great, Julia thought, a light at the end of the tunnel.

From Any Coincidence Is by Callahan, Daniel