“Difficult situations like this really bring out the best in people.”

English Lesson: Difficult situations like this really bring out the best in people.

There was an earthquake recently which damaged a lot of buildings in your city. You're talking with a neighbor about it. You want to think about the situation positively, so you say this to your neighbor.

Difficult situations like this really bring out the best in people.

Want Video and Sound? Follow us on YouTube

a difficult situation

When something bad happens to someone, you can call it "a difficult situation".

Some examples of "difficult situations" include:

  • someone getting fired
  • someone's family member getting sick
  • someone's house catching on fire

(something) brings out the best in (someone)

To "bring out" a quality means to make that quality stronger or make it easier to see. For example:

A: Do you like this shirt?

B: Yeah, it brings out the blue in your eyes.

To "bring out the best in" someone means to make that person show his or her best qualities.

She brings out the best in me.

When people face challenges, it either brings out the best in them or it brings out the worst.