make the best of a bad situation

make the best of a bad situation

To deal with and create the best possible outcome of a bad, unfortunate, or unpleasant situation or set of circumstances. I know this data entry job isn't what you wanted for a career, but for the time being try and make the best of a bad situation. We weren't expecting to have to share our timeshare with others, but there's nothing we can do about it now, so we'd better make the best of a bad situation.
See also: bad, make, of, situation
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
See also:
  • a sad state (of affairs)
  • a sorry state (of affairs)
  • come to a bad end
  • come to a bad/sticky end
  • hit a sour note
  • horse and rabbit stew
  • get (something) over with
  • get it over with
  • be a fate worse than death
  • go from bad to worse
References in periodicals archive
You know how to make the best of a bad situation, and people admire that about you.