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How to Pronounce "the darkest hour is just before the dawn"

expression

thuh DAR-kest OW-er iz JUHST bee-FOR thuh DAWN
thuh DAH-kest OW-uh iz JUHST bif-AW thuh DAWN

Definition

This expression means that things often seem the worst right before they get better. It's a way to give hope in difficult times, suggesting that a positive change is coming soon.

IPA Transcription

American English

ˈðə/, /ðə/, /ði/ /ˈdɑɹkəst/ /ˈaʊɝ/, /ˈaʊɹ/ /ˈɪz/, /ɪz/ /ˈdʒəst/, /dʒɪst/ /ˌbiˈfɔɹ/, /bɪˈfɔɹ/ /ˈðə/, /ðə/, /ði/ /ˈdɔn

British English

ðə, ði/ /dˈɑːkəst/ /ˈaʊə/ /ˈɪz/ /dʒˈʌst/ /bɪfˈɔː/ /ðə, ði/ /dˈɔːn

Simplified Pronunciation

US

thuh DAR-kest OW-er iz JUHST bee-FOR thuh DAWN

UK

thuh DAH-kest OW-uh iz JUHST bif-AW thuh DAWN

Listen in Context

When things feel hopeless, remember that the darkest hour is just before the dawn.

My friend told me that the darkest hour is just before the dawn when I lost my job.

She believes the darkest hour is just before the dawn, so she keeps going.

I know it’s tough right now, but the darkest hour is just before the dawn—hang in there!