to good purpose

to good purpose

To something's most positive, most effective, or most beneficial utility. Twenty years later, he's finally putting those programming skills to good purpose, designing tracking software for local park rangers to help combat poaching. The seminar aims to help people channel their negative emotions and impulses to good purpose, translating that energy into creative expression. Yeah, I was laid off, but I turned my time off to good purpose and traveled the world.

See also: good, purpose, to

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

to good purpose

To effective use, as in A donation to the homeless shelter will be put to good purpose. This idiom was first recorded in 1553. Also see to little or no purpose.

See also: good, purpose, to

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

to little/good/some/no ˈpurpose

(formal) with little, good, etc. result or effect: Another meeting was held, to little purpose. ♢ She had used the profits to good purpose and upgraded their software.

See also: good, little, no, purpose, to

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017

to good purpose

With good results.

See also: good, purpose, to

American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.