make the best of things

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "make the best of things" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to encourage yourself or someone else to try to find the upside to a difficult or unpleasant situation. For example, you could say, "This is a tough situation, but we'll just have to make the best of it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

"We just have to make the best of things.

The New York Times - Magazine

But he had to make the best of things as they were.

The Economist

Somehow, these ruthless strangers will have to make the best of things until the road clears.

The Guardian - Film

There was an acceptance, a willingness to make the best of things.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The owner, trying to make the best of things, had turned the yard into a miniature-golf course.

The New Yorker

The crippled government is increasingly detached from reality.But many Iraqis are trying to make the best of things.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

So he was making the best of things.

The New Yorker

"You've met Dr. Boyd; he makes the best of things".

The New York Times

By the next morning, the government was making the best of things.

The Guardian - Business

When she looks down sadly at her rags, she automatically brushes away the dirt, making the best of things.

Independent

As Godfrey made the best of things, his poor aide dashed about the place, phone clamped to her ear.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When facing adversity, use "make the best of things" to encourage a proactive approach to finding solutions and maintaining a positive outlook.

Common error

Don't use "make the best of things" as an excuse for inaction or complacency. It should inspire resourcefulness, not acceptance of the unacceptable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make the best of things" functions as an idiomatic expression, typically used as a verb phrase. It encourages a proactive and optimistic approach to challenging circumstances. Ludwig examples showcase its use in various contexts, emphasizing adaptability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science

8%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "make the best of things" is a common and correct idiomatic expression used to encourage a positive and proactive approach when facing challenges. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical soundness and usability. It is most frequently found in News & Media, with neutral register allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts. When facing adversity, using this phrase emphasizes resilience and resourcefulness, not passivity. Alternative phrases include "make the most of it" and "look on the bright side".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make the most of it

Focuses on maximizing the positive aspects within a given situation.

make lemonade out of lemons

Emphasizes transforming something negative into something positive.

look on the bright side

Encourages focusing on the positive aspects of a situation.

turn a bad situation around

Highlights reversing a negative circumstance to a positive one.

find a silver lining

Stresses identifying something positive amidst adversity.

make do

Focuses on managing with limited resources or less than ideal circumstances.

rise above

Emphasizes overcoming difficulties and maintaining a positive attitude.

grin and bear it

Suggests enduring a difficult situation with forced cheerfulness.

cope with

Highlights dealing effectively with challenges or difficulties.

weather the storm

Implies enduring a difficult period until it passes.

FAQs

How can I use "make the best of things" in a sentence?

You can use "make the best of things" to express the act of handling a less than ideal situation with optimism and resourcefulness. For example, "Even though our flight was delayed, we tried to "make the best of things" by exploring the airport".

What is a similar expression to "make the best of things"?

A similar expression is to "make the most of it", which also suggests taking advantage of the positive aspects that can be found in any given situation.

Is it better to "make the best of things" or try to change them?

It depends on the situation. If the situation is unchangeable, ""make the best of things"" is a good approach. However, if change is possible, it might be better to take action to improve the situation.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "make the best of things"?

It's appropriate when acknowledging a difficulty or setback but choosing to focus on finding positive solutions or maintaining a good attitude despite the circumstances. It is similar to "look on the bright side".