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What does “all's well that ends well” mean?

Meaning, example sentences and a quick practice question.

Used to say a difficult situation is fine because it ended well

“We were late, but all's well that ends well.”

Say it smoothly: “alls-well-tha-tendz-well”

From the B2 lesson Telling a Good Story (storytelling).

Used to say a difficult situation turned out fine, so the problems don't matter now

“We nearly missed the flight, but all's well that ends well.”

From the C1 lesson Telling a Good Story (storytelling).

Quick check

What does “all's well that ends well” mean?

Teaching this phrase?“all's well that ends well” is part of a ready-to-teach lesson, with a reading, three exercises, speaking tasks and an answer key, in Everyday English Chunks B2 Pack 2 (Plans, Problems and Feelings) and C1 Pack 2 (Plans, Problems and Feelings).
See the B2 lesson pack See the C1 lesson pack

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