expression, godan verb (-ru)
poison can turn into medicine; what is harmful may become beneficial
Proverb meaning that something initially harmful or unpleasant can, through change or circumstance, become beneficial. Often used to encourage a positive outlook on adversity.
失敗も毒薬変じて薬となることがある。
Even failure can sometimes turn into a blessing in disguise.
Similar proverb meaning 'turn misfortune into fortune'; 毒薬変じて薬となる specifically uses the metaphor of poison becoming medicine.
A Japanese proverb of uncertain origin, likely derived from traditional wisdom about the dual nature of substances and experiences.