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.
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.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share