take advantage of

idiomatic phrase

Definition of take advantage of

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.

2a : 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

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Dictionary Entries Near take advantage of

take a dump

take advantage of

take a fancy to

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Cite this Entry

“Take advantage of.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/take%20advantage%20of. Accessed 26 Jan. 2022.

Style: MLA

MLA