take advantage of

idiomatic phrase

1

: to make good use of (something) : to profit by (something)

take advantage of an opportunity

We took advantage of the warm weather and did some yard work.

2

a

: to impose on (someone) : to ask for or expect more than is fair or reasonable from (someone)

After a while, I began to think she was taking advantage of me.

He felt like he'd been taken advantage of.

b

: to use (something or someone) unfairly for personal gain

He took advantage of [=exploited] my lack of experience.

It adds that young people in care homes, with learning disabilities, those excluded from school or using drugs or alcohol are particularly vulnerable to being targeted by people who take advantage of them for money, food or drugs.

—Stephen Naysmith

c

: to exploit (someone) sexually

The star shared her experiences of Hollywood bosses who tried to take advantage of her in the early days of her career.

—The Belfast Telegraph Online

Examples of take advantage of in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Many also took advantage of pandemic-era low rates to refinance, pushing out repayment due dates into the future. —Rachel Ventresca, Fortune, 7 June 2024

In the meantime, allies of Mr. Biden are doing their part to amplify the message that corporations are taking advantage of average Americans. —Kellen Browning, New York Times, 6 June 2024

Do your best to take advantage of an employer or company match, where employers match employee contributions up to a certain percentage. —Nerdwallet, The Mercury News, 5 June 2024

Phantom invites all fireworks enthusiasts to visit our stores to take advantage of these new prices. —Kansas City Star, 5 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1618, in the meaning defined at sense 1