make a virtue of necessity

phrase

variants or make a virtue out of necessity
: to benefit from something one is forced to do
When he lost his driver's license, he made a virtue of necessity and got in shape by riding his bike to work.

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Cite this Entry

“Make a virtue of necessity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/make%20a%20virtue%20of%20necessity. Accessed 15 Dec. 2025.

Last Updated: - Definition revised
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