Have you seen the expression 'the best is yet to come' in a conversation or online and want to know more about what it means, or the context of the saying? The phrase 'the best is yet to come' is a common statement, which is often said for encouragement or irony. This post unpacks its meaning and correct use.
Meaning
The phrase 'the best is yet to come' is a common expression in the English language that can be used as a statement, a question, or a response to another speaker.
'The best is yet to come' can be used as a figurative phrase of encouragement, which is said to someone to make what has just been said (or discussed) seem like a more positive situation.
Sometimes the phrase 'the best is yet to come' is used for personal motivation or encouragement, but the saying can also be used as a positive catchphrase by someone that implies the future release of something that will be anticipated by its audience.
When the phrase 'the best is yet to come' is said in a negative context or situation, it can be ironic or sarcastic instead of serious and intended to evoke humor from the audience. Joking context is usually clear from the discussion or events.
The phrase is so common that 'the best is yet to come' has also become a common phrase within promotions (e.g. for a release) or as a song lyric. It can also be used as a pop culture reference, which appears in many shows, movies, and other media.
Other English such as 'a silver lining' can be used to imply a similar message between (or to) speakers.
Example Usage
“If you think the gig we had last night was great, then you should see what we have got planned for you guys tomorrow night. The best is yet to come.”
“The best is yet to come, my friends. We've dug into the hash and the cookies, and now we're about to eat some gummies.”
“The best is yet to come: we didn't just buy you a cake for your birthday, we also bought you a Tesla.”
“My childhood was terrible, and my twenties weren't great. I hope the best is yet to come, or I'm going to be very depressed by fifty.”
Origin
According to most online language resources, the phrase 'the best is yet to come' is a popular English saying that is likely to have entered written and speaking phrases by the early 1900s.
The phrase was made popular with a 1958 song which used the saying as its title, though it's accepted that the phrase was already in use by this time – and its use in the song was only the point at which it might have become more known.
Modern use of the phrase as an expression would continue into the early 2000s and 2010s, and the saying is still common in media and on social media (though is rarely a reference to the song).
Website Urban Dictionary records the phrase in 2021.
When used on social media, the expression is sometimes abbreviated to 'TBIYTC'.
Urban Dictionary 2021
TBIYTC 202
Phrases Similar to The Best Is Yet to Come
- TBIYTC
- Brace yourself
Phrases Opposite to The Best Is Yet to Come
- The calm before the storm
What is the Correct Saying?
- The best is yet to come
Ways People May Say The Best Is Yet to Come Incorrectly
There are several ways in which someone can use the phrase 'the best is yet to come' in the wrong way, or misunderstand the use of the saying.
When translated into languages without a direct equivalent, the phrase could cause confusion for its audience.
The phrase can be used wrong when any of the words are misused, misinterpreted, or misheard.
The phrase can also be used wrong when shortened, as this is not common and 'the best is yet' would mean nothing.
Acceptable Ways to Phrase The Best Is Yet to Come
The correct way to use the phrase 'the best is yet to come' would be to use the saying as a statement, usually for inspiration or positivity to a speaker or situation.