物ものは使つかいよう

expression

things depend on how you use them; all things have their uses when used right

Proverb meaning that even seemingly useless things can be valuable if used cleverly or appropriately.

• 物ものは使つかいようで、ただの石いしころも役やくに立たつことがある。

  Things depend on how you use them; even a mere pebble can be useful.

• 古ふるい道どう具ぐでも、物ものは使つかいようだから捨すてずに取とってある。

  Even old tools can be useful if used right, so I keep them instead of throwing them away.