make the best of

make the best of (third-person singular simple present makes the best of, present participle making the best of, simple past and past participle made the best of)

1. (idiomatic) to derive what limited advantage one can (from an unpleasant outcome or situation)
   • 1997, Green Day (lyrics and music), “Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)”, in Nimrod, Reprise Records:

     So make the best of this test and don't ask why
     It's not a question, but a lesson learned in time

2. (idiomatic) to use (a resource) as well as possible; to be resourceful