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

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

From The Teacher by Abbott, Jacob

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 White, Ellen Gould Harmon

Yet, though this joint expedition was a disgraceful failure, he had learned some useful lessons, which he was presently to turn to good account.

From The Winning of Canada: a Chronicle of Wolf by Wrong, George McKinnon

Being a fine musician, he was appointed instructor of the King's daughters; and he was quick to turn to good account the influence thus acquired.

From Library of the World's Best Literature, Ancient and Modern — Volume 4 by Mabie, Hamilton Wright

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 MacClure, Victor