The Archive

Etymology Journal ยท A

All good things must come to an end

Meaning

A stoic way of accepting that happy periods, fun events, or great relationships do not last forever. It is used to soften the blow of a conclusion.

Melancholy, philosophical

Used in a sentence

  • It is sad to leave the beach after a week, but I guess all good things must come to an end.
  • Graduation day is bittersweet, but all good things must come to an end.
  • Our time in this house is finishing, but all good things must come to an end.

The backstory

It is a proverbial saying that has been cited in English literature since at least the 14th century. It is simply a recognition of life's natural cycle.

Heard in

Nationwide

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