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.

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of make a virtue of necessity was in the 15th century

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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 31 Aug. 2026.

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