what's the good of

Idioms  

1. Also, what's the use of. What purpose or advantage is there in, as in What's the good of crying when you can't do anything about it? or What's the use of getting a doctorate in philosophy when you won't be able to get a job afterward? This idiom was first recorded in 1701.

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Example Sentences

So I think people get a misguided idea of what’s the good of a poll if it’s not perfect, if it’s not proven to be perfect.

From Slate • Nov. 12, 2020

“But what’s the good of that?” he asked.

From Washington Post • Jul. 13, 2015

“But what’s the good of a blue tit or a robin to us? They don’t fly any distance. We need a big bird.”

From "Watership Down: A Novel" by Richard Adams

“I think we ought to have nothing to do with that rabbit or his warren. We ought to leave this place at once. But what’s the good of talking?”

From "Watership Down: A Novel" by Richard Adams

It's all very well to cram, but what's the good of it when you know you won't survive to eat the plum pudding?

From Punch, or the London Charivari, October 21st 1893 by Various