Question

Light at the End of the Tunnel a long-searched-for answer, goal, or success

Accepted Answer

After many years of experiments on the phonograph, Edison saw the light at the end of the tunnel with the wax cylinder. Imagine driving through a long, dark tunnel. You wonder when you'll ever get out. Then, far ahead, you see a tiny spot of light that marks the end of the tunnel. You know that if you keep going forward, the light will grow bigger and you will come out into the sunlight again. Now imagine that the tunnel represents a long period of hard work. The light represents the end of that work. It's still up ahead, but it gives you hope to continue your quest.

Idiom	Light at the End of the Tunnel
Example	After many years of experiments on the phonograph, Edison saw the light at the end of the tunnel with the wax cylinder.
Meaning	a long-searched-for answer, goal, or success
Origin	Imagine driving through a long, dark tunnel. You wonder when you'll ever get out. Then, far ahead, you see a tiny spot of light that marks the end of the tunnel. You know that if you keep going forward, the light will grow bigger and you will come out into the sunlight again. Now imagine that the tunnel represents a long period of hard work. The light represents the end of that work. It's still up ahead, but it gives you hope to continue your quest.

Light End Tunnel Imagine Ahead Represents Work Years