turn to good account

Idioms  

1. Use for one's benefit, as in He turned the delay to good account, using the time to finish correspondence. This idiom, first recorded in 1878, uses account in the sense of “a reckoning.”

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

turn to good account

When you are reading, notice such facts, and remember such narratives, as you can turn to good account, in this way.

From The Teacher Or, Moral Influences Employed in the Instruction and Government of the Young by Jacob Abbott

Nevertheless he thought the custom one he could turn to good account, and before long he was trying it himself.

From The Black-Bearded Barbarian : The life of George Leslie Mackay of Formosa by Mary Esther Miller MacGregor

Dying, this elderly husband of Mistress Turner had left her but little in the way of worldly goods, but that little the fair young widow had all the wit to turn to good account.

From She Stands Accused by Victor MacClure

But to describe a typical film of the better sort and to indicate its practical use may have some suggestive value for wide-awake ministers who wish to turn to good account every legitimate social agency.

From The Minister and the Boy A Handbook for Churchmen Engaged in Boys' Work by Allan Hoben

Here was an advantage which the monks could turn to good account, and they were quick to improve it.

From The Great Controversy Between Christ and Satan by Ellen Gould Harmon White