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- make a silk purse of a sow's ear
make a silk purse of a sow's ear
make a silk purse of a sow's ear
To fashion something beautiful or valuable out of poor materials. Often used in the negative, such as "cannot make a silk purse of a sow's ear." What do you want me to do with this tacky dress? I can't make a silk purse of a sow's ear!