Neurons: 44,139. The winter of our discontent means that the time of unhappiness is past, hard times are over. Here is a link with interesting explanation and origin of this phrase with reference to the Shakespearean verses. Similar description of the expression embedded in context is also available here.There is also another meaning of the phrase above, used in our times and referring to the social unrest.imilar description of the expression embedded in context is also available here. There is also another meaning of the phrase above, used in our times and referring to the social unrest.