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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.


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

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

Why, father, what’s the good of quoting stuff like that to me out of one of your old sermons?”

From Eli's Children The Chronicles of an Unhappy Family by George Manville Fenn

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