Translation guide
This English proverb means that someone can make use of everything that comes their way, turning every experience or opportunity to their advantage. In Japanese, there is no direct equivalent proverb, but the idea can be expressed through phrases about resourcefulness, adaptability, or making the most of what one has.
To express that someone is able to utilize any situation, information, or resource for their benefit.
A straightforward way to say 'make use of everything.' It conveys the idea of turning anything into a resource.
彼は何でも利用して商売に結びつける。
He turns everything to his advantage in business.
Literally 'make anything useful.' Emphasizes the proactive attitude of finding value in everything.
彼女はどんなことでも役に立てる才能がある。
She has a talent for making anything useful.
Literally 'refuse nothing that comes.' This is a set phrase meaning to accept everything that comes one's way, often with the implication of making use of it. It captures the 'all that comes' part of the proverb.
彼は来るものは拒まず、どんな仕事でも引き受ける。
He refuses nothing that comes his way and takes on any job.
To describe a person who is skilled at turning any situation to their advantage, often in a clever or opportunistic way.
A four-character compound meaning 'adapting to circumstances' or 'playing it by ear.' It implies flexibility and making the best of any situation.
彼は臨機応変に対応できる。
He can adapt to any situation.
Means 'make the most of any situation.' It directly conveys the idea of turning circumstances to one's benefit.
彼はどんな状況でも活かす能力がある。
He has the ability to make the most of any situation.
An adjective meaning 'shrewd,' 'calculating,' or 'tough.' It describes someone who is adept at using everything to their advantage, often with a slightly negative connotation of being crafty.
To express that someone sees every event or piece of information as a potential source of profit or gain, sometimes with a negative nuance.
Literally 'turn anything into a source of profit.' This closely matches the 'grist to the mill' metaphor in a business context.
彼は何でも金もうけの種にする。
He turns everything into a money-making opportunity.
Means 'link any information to business.' It emphasizes using information for commercial gain.
彼女はどんな情報も商売に結びつけるのがうまい。
She is good at turning any information into business.
There is no common Japanese proverb that directly translates 'all's grist that comes to his mill.' Using a literal translation like 「彼のひき臼に入るものはすべて粉になる」 would sound unnatural and confusing. Instead, use the phrases above to convey the intended meaning.
The English proverb can be positive (resourcefulness) or negative (opportunism). Choose the Japanese expression that matches the nuance you want. For a neutral or positive tone, use 何でも利用する or 臨機応変. For a more critical tone, 何でも金もうけの種にする or したたか may be appropriate.
That person is shrewd and uses everything for their own benefit.