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3. for the best

for the best

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(all) for the best

good in spite of the way it seems; better than you think or than it appears to be. (Often said when someone dies after a painful illness.) I'm very sorry to hear of the death of your aunt. Perhaps it's for the best. I didn't get into the college I wanted, but I couldn't afford it anyway. It's probably all for the best.

for the best

well I was rejected by one college, but I really like where I am now, so I guess things worked out for the best. Everyone was asleep by 9, and that turned out for the best because the sun woke us at 6 the next morning.

Usage notes: often hope for the best (wish something ends well): We try to make sure we've planned for the worst, but we're hoping for the best.

for the best

With an ultimately positive or preferable result.