Yankee ingenuity

Yankee ingenuity is a reference to the self-reliance of early colonial settlers of New England. It describes an attitude of make-do with materials on hand. It is inventive improvisation, adaption and overcoming of dire straits when faced with a dearth of materials.

Yankee Ingenuity was often necessary for New England colonists. Unlike the rich and fertile soil of Virginia, New England had poor soil and had to rely on improvisation and other means for economic success.

Similar phrases relating to other former colonial outposts exist in other parts of the world, such as kiwi ingenuity, referring to exactly the same situation in New Zealand.