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

"I wish to know whether a few skins I bought last night, for a private venture, will turn to good account?"

From The Water-Witch or, the Skimmer of the Seas by Cooper, James Fenimore

He might have left papers and things behind him that might turn to good account.'

From Robbery under Arms; a story of life and adventure in the bush and in the Australian goldfields by Boldrewood, Rolf

But even if she took no more share than Fanny Price, she must have acquired a considerable acquaintance with the language of the theatre—knowledge that she was to turn to good account in Mansfield Park.

From Jane Austen, Her Life and Letters A Family Record by Austen-Leigh, William

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

I am accommodated very cheaply, and am at the same time within easy reach of many things, the neighborhood of which I can turn to good account.

From Louis Agassiz: His Life and Correspondence by Agassiz, Louis