All's Well That Ends Well. Although this proverb seems to have coined by William Shakespeare, as he has used it as the title of his popular play, it has been found as an odd proverb long before him in The Middle English Dialogue Between Reason and Adversity stated to have been published in 1425 or around. The phrase "All's Well That Ends Well" has its roots in literature and can be traced back to a Middle English work titled "The Middle English Dialogue Between Reason and Adversity," believed to have been published around 1425. While William Shakespeare later popularized the expression by using it as the title for one of his plays, it seems to have existed as an odd proverb before his time.
In this Middle English dialogue, the sentiment encapsulated in the phrase suggests that the ultimate judgment of an event or situation hinges on its resolution or conclusion. If the outcome is favorable or satisfactory, then all the preceding challenges, struggles, or difficulties are considered worthwhile.
Shakespeare, a prolific playwright and wordsmith, chose this proverb as the title for one of his plays, "All's Well That Ends Well," believed to have been written between 1604 and 1605. In the context of the play, the title reflects the theme that despite the complexities and hardships faced by the characters, the resolution brings about a satisfactory conclusion.
The enduring use of this proverb highlights its universal appeal and the timeless acknowledgment that the ultimate assessment of an experience often depends on its final outcome. It has become a phrase woven into the fabric of English literature and language, capturing the essence of the narrative arc and the significance of how things conclude.