un mal pour un bien
/œ̃ mal puʁ œ̃ bjɛ̃/
The English phrase "blessing in disguise" can be translated into French as un mal pour un bien.
This phrase is used to express the idea that a seemingly negative event had a positive outcome in the long run.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, the phrase translates to "an evil for a good" (un mal pour un bien).
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase is a fixed idiomatic expression and does not change its internal structure, though the verb preceding it can be conjugated into different tenses.
How do you pronounce it?
/œ̃ mal puʁ œ̃ bjɛ̃/
Did you know?
- While English uses the religious concept of a 'blessing', the French version is entirely secular, focusing on the balance between 'evil' and 'good'.
- In French, the phrase can be used as a standalone reaction to bad news, whereas in English, 'blessing in disguise' usually requires more context.
- French has a related expression un mal nécessaire, which refers to a 'necessary evil'. Unlike un mal pour un bien, this refers to a bad thing that must be endured to achieve a goal, rather than a mistake that turns out well.
Examples in context
- C'est un mal pour un bien.It's a blessing in disguise.This sentence is useful for stating that a current situation is a blessing in disguise using the form un mal pour un bien.Tatoeba #12915678 by lbdx, translation #2171660 by ismaximum
- C'était un mal pour un bien.It was a blessing in disguise.This sentence is useful for stating that a past situation was a blessing in disguise using the form un mal pour un bien.Tatoeba #12945366 by lbdx, translation #8353275 by Hybrid
- Cette panne de voiture a été un mal qui fait du bien. J'ai découvert un charmant village à proximité où je suis retourné maintes fois depuis.That car breakdown was a blessing in disguise. I discovered a charming nearby village where I have returned many times since.
- Perdre cette compétition a finalement été un mal pour un bien. Cela m'a incité à me concentrer sur mes études et j'ai réussi à obtenir mon diplôme.Losing that competition turned out to be a blessing in disguise. It motivated me to focus on my studies and I succeeded in obtaining my degree.
- Sa perte d'emploi a été un mal pour un bien.His job loss turned out to be a blessing in disguise.
Example conversation
Emma and Nathan are discussing a missed flight.
- EmmaJ'ai raté mon vol, je suis déçue.I missed my flight, I'm disappointed.
- NathanMais tu as rencontré ton cousin !But you met your cousin!
- EmmaC'est vrai, c'est un mal pour un bien.That's true, it's a blessing in disguise.
- NathanExactement, tout finit bien.Exactly, everything ends well.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry un mal pour un bien, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
