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# everything happens for a reason

phrase (saying, a whole sentence; also «things happen for a reason»)

«everything happens for a reason» in the English dictionary: in the primary school — its meanings, how the lessons use it, and examples, each with its tree on Mova.

## In the primary school

Source: Mova's pupils' dictionary. Licence: [Elamur Cosmic License](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/docs/LICENSE/). Reviewed: the dictionary the pupils of Mova's primary school read; its examples quote the lessons and public-domain tales. Ships with Mova.

### Meaning

1. (comforting saying) a bad or strange event has some hidden purpose or will lead to something good later.
2. (sometimes sarcastic) said to brush off a problem without really helping.

### In the lessons

People say it to comfort someone after a loss, a failure or a break-up; it is everyday and kind in intention, all regions. Some people find it unhelpful or even hurtful when they are grieving, because it suggests the bad thing was meant to happen. In stories, a character who says it is often hopeful or religious.

### Examples

- I didn't get into the team, but Mum says everything happens for a reason.
- "Everything happens for a reason," said Nan, hugging me after the dog died.
- Missing that bus felt awful, but I met my best mate at the stop, so maybe everything happens for a reason.
- Please don't tell me everything happens for a reason; I just need a hug.
- She lost her job and found a better one, and now she believes everything happens for a reason.
- Oh sure, everything happens for a reason, including you forgetting my birthday present again.
- The coach told us everything happens for a reason and to learn from the loss.
- My friend posted «everything happens for a reason» after failing her driving test.

### Note

Trap: it is a belief, not a fact you can check; in science we look for the cause of an event, which is a different kind of «reason». It can sound cold to a grieving person, so kinder words are «I'm so sorry» or «that's really hard». Plain meaning: «try to see something good in this».