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

Spend time gradually building up your knowledge and experience, taking advantage of any clear nights — preferably the dark, moonless nights between the last quarter moon and the new moon. —Jamie Carter, Space.com, 26 Dec. 2025

Wear it open over your comfiest matching set or use the tie to take advantage of the sleek, V-neck cut. —Lily Wohlner, Allure, 25 Dec. 2025

Members can also take advantage of the family program and book adjoining rooms at half price. —Caitlin Gunther, Travel + Leisure, 25 Dec. 2025

In a letter to committee members on Monday, Committee Chair Larry Novak said Diehl was taking advantage of MassGOP bylaws to restructure the Brockton committee. —Tim Dunn, Boston Herald, 24 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1618, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for take advantage of

• above
• foxglove
• hereof
• thereof
• whereof
• dove
• glove
• love
• shove
• hereinabove