parlay into

parlay (something) into (something else)

To use a particular quality, asset, or trait so well or strategically that it becomes something even more valuable. He was able to parlay the negative press against his competitor into a successful ad campaign that ended up giving him a huge boost in business. When I was an intern, I parlayed my tech skills into a part-time job overseeing the publishers' e-book production.
See also: parlay
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

parlay something into something

Fig. to exploit an asset in such a way as to increase its value to some higher amount. She is trying to parlay her temporary job into a full-time position. Alice parlayed her inheritance into a small fortune by investing in the stock market.
See also: parlay
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

parlay into

v.
To work with or manipulate some quality in order to make it something of value: She parlayed her ability to make people feel comfortable into a successful career as a therapist. The politician was able to parlay the people's complaints into a successful campaign strategy.
See also: parlay
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • parlay
  • parlay (something) into (something else)
  • there was/is something about (someone or something)
  • there's something about (someone or something)
  • there's something about somebody/something
  • recognize (someone or something) by (something)
  • recognize by
  • imbue
  • imbue (someone or something) with (something)
  • imbue with
References in periodicals archive
The comparisons made to mytomycin C and future experiments will provide information about this compound and its therapeutic possibilities, which in turn will parlay into the synthesis of compounds with enhanced anticancer applications.
Aziridinomitosene synthesis and analyzing this compounds effect on DNA alkylation interactions
An elevated inner peace can parlay into a positive outlook, allowing residents to live in the moment and bring balance to life.
Bathing as a wellness experience: bathing area design features enhance independence and feelings of well-being
A continuing decline in inventories, an overworked and undermanned staff, and too-long put off capital expenditures parlay into a much higher probability of a substantive growth period in 2003.
Brighter economic outlook in the new calendar year. (Economic Forecast)
Snipes is obviously looking for a character he can parlay into a franchise, and Nell Shaw might be it, although the complex machinations of the UN is not an ideal subject for xenophobic Americans.
Art of war
Read the paper, watch the news - see if there's something you can parlay into publicity for you and your store's products and services (environment, new FDA food label regulations, ???).
Developing new publicity angles - gauging your publicity skills