ENGLISH
REFERENCE

turn to good account

idiom
Meaning

To use well; to take advantage of.


Examples
SIMPLE

You should turn your free time to good account.

CONTEXTUAL

She decided to turn her unexpected vacation to good account by finally finishing that long book.

COMPLEX

The seasoned diplomat knew how to turn even the most difficult negotiations to good account, securing a favorable outcome for his country.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    a good deal

    Very much; to a great extent; a lot; lots.

  2. 02

    all good

    It's all good.

  3. 03

    bill of goods

    A set of misleading or deceptive claims.

  4. 04

    Buggins's turn

    A humorous, disparaging term for the appointment of a person by rotation or promotion, on the basis of length of service (it being that person's "turn") rather than merit or level of qualification.

  5. 05

    but good

    To a high degree; very thoroughly; in a most definite manner.

  6. 06

    call to account

    To challenge or contest; to hold answerable for something.

  7. 07

    cast up one's accounts

    To vomit.

  8. 08

    come from a good place

    To be motivated by decency, kindness, or good intentions.

Last updated April 17, 2026