make the most of every situation; turn anything to profit
Proverb meaning a resourceful person will find a way to benefit even from a mishap. Literally 'even if you fall, you won't get up empty-handed'. Often used to describe someone who never misses a chance to gain something.
See also: 転んでもただでは起きない
He's the type who makes the most of every situation, always learning something even from failure.
As the saying goes, 'turn anything to profit'—she started a business with the accident compensation money.
Standard kanji spelling using ただ in kana; the most common written form.
Alternate spelling using the kanji 只 for ただ; less common but still encountered.
A traditional Japanese proverb. The exact origin is uncertain, but it reflects a common cultural value of resourcefulness.