Fig. to exploit an asset in such a way as to increase its value to some higher amount. She is trying to parlay her temporary job into a full-time position.Alice parlayed her inheritance into a small fortune by investing in the stock market.
parlay into
v.
To work with or manipulate some quality in order to make it something of value: She parlayed her ability to make people feel comfortable into a successful career as a therapist. The politician was able to parlay the people's complaints into a successful campaign strategy.