Perhaps there has been a time or two in your life when you had to sadly let something go. Maybe you have had to leave someone you love behind. Well, the proverb all good things must come to an end describes situations such as these perfectly.
Today, we will discuss what this age-old phrase means. Additionally, we will take a look at some sentence examples to help contextualize where and when you can use it.
What Does All Good Things Must Come to an End Mean?
All good things must come to an end is an idiom that means “good things are temporary” or “nothing can last forever.” It is often used when someone recalls something they look back upon fondly.
The phrase can be specifically used to describe that good things are temporary or everything is temporary.
All good things must come to an end acts as a proverb to remind others about the ephemeral nature of life. Additionally, it can describe feelings of regret towards a situation.
Phrase Origin
In its origin, all good things must come to an end has been traced back to the 1300s. Most sources cite a poet named Geoffrey Chaucer as the creator of the phrase in his poem, Troilus and Criseyde.
In his poem, Chaucer wrote, “But at the last, as every thing hath ende, she took hir leve, and nedes wolde wende.”
All Good Things Must Come to an End Quotes
“Just as all good things must come to an end, so too must the unrelentingly traumatic.” – The Guardian.
“All good things must come to an end, though – or so some would have you believe about the Panthers.” – The Guardian.
“We won 14 straight Beanpot games and six titles, but all good things must come to an end.” – The New York Times.
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