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make a virtue of necessity

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make a virtue of necessity

Prov. to do what you have to do cheerfully or willingly. When Bill's mother became sick, there was no one but Bill to take care of her, so Bill made a virtue of necessity and resolved to enjoy their time together.

See also: make, necessity, of, virtue

make a virtue of necessity

  (formal)

to change something you must do into a positive or useful experience It's a long way to drive so I thought I'd make a virtue of necessity and stop off at some interesting places along the way.

See also: make, necessity, of, virtue

make a virtue of necessity

Do the best one can under given circumstances, as in Since he can't break the contract, Bill's making a virtue of necessity. This expression first appeared in English in Chaucer's The Knight's Tale: "Then is it wisdom, as it thinketh me, to make virtue of necessity." Also see make the best of.

See also: make, necessity, of, virtue