turn a sow's ear into a silk purse

1. To create something beautiful, desirable, or valuable out of poor tools or materials. Often used in negative constructions. What do you want me to do with this tacky dress? I can't turn a sow's ear into a silk purse! You say you want to make professional-quality videos, but you're still using a camera from 2003. You're not going to magically turn a sow's ear into a silk purse, you know.

2. To turn a negative or undesirable thing or situation into something positive or worthwhile. Our consultancy firm specializes in turning sows' ears into silk purses. We identify and rectify inherent structural problems in an organization and get it working to the best of its potential. The mayoral candidate has an indefatigable optimism about the crime-ridden city, promising to turn a sow's ear into a silk purse.