What does “Make a virtue out of necessity” mean?
"Make a virtue out of necessity" means to find a positive aspect or advantage in a situation that was not initially desirable or preferred. It is about making the best out of a difficult or unavoidable circumstance.
What context can I use the in?
Example
Although we didn't have much money, we decided to make a virtue out of necessity and have a simple, intimate wedding.
Example
After losing his job, he made a virtue out of necessity by using the opportunity to start his own business.
Example
She couldn't afford a fancy vacation, so she made a virtue out of necessity and explored her own city, discovering hidden gems along the way
Is “Make a virtue out of necessity” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Make a virtue out of necessity” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Make a virtue out of necessity” effectively in context?
You can use "Make a virtue out of necessity" to encourage someone to find the silver lining in a challenging situation. It emphasizes the idea of turning a disadvantage into an advantage. For example, if a friend is disappointed about not being able to go on a fancy vacation, you might say, 'Why not make a virtue out of necessity and explore your own city? You might discover hidden gems you never knew existed.'
- 1Wedding
Although we didn't have much money, we decided to make a virtue out of necessity and have a simple, intimate wedding.
- 2Job Loss
After losing his job, he made a virtue out of necessity by using the opportunity to start his own business.
- 3Vacation
She couldn't afford a fancy vacation, so she made a virtue out of necessity and explored her own city, discovering hidden gems along the way.
Similar phrases to “Make a virtue out of necessity”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Make a virtue out of necessity” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Make a virtue out of necessity" is unknown.
Is “Make a virtue out of necessity” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Make a virtue out of necessity" is a common expression in everyday conversation. People often use it to encourage others to see the positive side of difficult situations or to express their own ability to find advantages in challenging circumstances.
What tone does “Make a virtue out of necessity” have?
"Make a virtue out of necessity" conveys a tone of optimism and resourcefulness. It suggests finding creative solutions and making the best out of less-than-ideal situations.
Can “Make a virtue out of necessity” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Make a virtue out of necessity" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that conveys the idea of finding advantages in challenging circumstances. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, meetings, or professional correspondence.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'Despite the limited budget, they made a virtue out of necessity and had a beautiful wedding.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Time to "make a virtue out of necessity"!' to imply finding the positive in a difficult situation.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- turn disadvantages into advantages
- find opportunities in challenges
- embrace the situation
- adapt and thrive
- optimize the circumstances
Antonyms
- dwell on the negatives
- focus on the drawbacks
- resist change
- miss out on opportunities
- waste potential benefits
