make do and mend

verb3

1. •
   (UK) To follow a philosophy, during World War II, of repairing clothes etc that would normally be discarded due to shortages and rationing.

   • The 'make do and mend' campaign was the Board of Trade's central propaganda effort directed at housewives. It gave advice on preservation, renovation, and repair of clothing and other household goods. — 2000
2. •
   (UK) Generally, to repair and reuse.
3. •
   (UK) To make the best of a situation.