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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

Paramount+ is the first entertainment company to take advantage of the offering. —Alex Weprin, The Hollywood Reporter, 24 May 2023

There are many useful ways to take advantage of the technology now, such as drafting cover letters, summarizing meetings or planning meals. —Joella Carman, NBC News, 17 May 2023

New subscribers can also take advantage of Philo’s 7-day free trial and watch Maid for Revenge for free before committing to anything. —Josie Howell | [e-mail], al, 13 May 2023

Ninja Woodfire Outdoor Grill & Smoker(Opens in a new window) for $299.99 (List Price $369.99) Limited-Time Daily Deals (Ends Today) Daily deals are limited-time offers, so take advantage of these deals before they're gone. —Stephanie Mlot, PCMAG, 11 May 2023

The greater importance of mathematics in society at the moment provides opportunity and flexibility as long as people are energetic enough to take advantage of these things. —Kevin Hartnett, Quanta Magazine, 11 May 2023

The Motion Picture Association of America organized a summit of Hollywood executives in Washington last month to take advantage of Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol’s visit to the US and discuss collaboration. —Min Jeong Lee, Fortune, 6 May 2023

But businesses didn’t need to do much to take advantage of them. —Cathy Hackl, Forbes, 5 May 2023

To take advantage of the promotion, select the ‘Members Save More’ price on Hyatt’s website or app when booking. —Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 3 May 2023

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Word History

First Known Use

1618, in the meaning defined at sense 1