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
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
The Belfast Telegraph OnlineExamples of take advantage of in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
This no-cook side takes advantage of summer’s bounty with fresh corn, zucchini, and yellow squash and will serve as a healthy and vibrant addition to a barbecue menu.
—Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 14 Aug. 2025
Paramount is going later with its Edgar Wright-directed, Glen Powell-starring The Running Man, setting a November 14, 2025 release date to take advantage of access to Imax screens.
—Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 14 Aug. 2025
Backers, including billionaire PayPal co-founder Peter Thiel, are looking to take advantage of the Trump administration’s favorable attitude toward crypto, which has invigorated capital markets this year.
—Tanaya MacHeel, CNBC, 13 Aug. 2025
For Heath, that means taking advantage of free mixers, run clubs, book clubs, libraries, museums, and other events in her area.
—Rachel Barber, USA Today, 13 Aug. 2025
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Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 14 Aug. 2025
Paramount is going later with its Edgar Wright-directed, Glen Powell-starring The Running Man, setting a November 14, 2025 release date to take advantage of access to Imax screens.
—Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 14 Aug. 2025
Backers, including billionaire PayPal co-founder Peter Thiel, are looking to take advantage of the Trump administration’s favorable attitude toward crypto, which has invigorated capital markets this year.
—Tanaya MacHeel, CNBC, 13 Aug. 2025
For Heath, that means taking advantage of free mixers, run clubs, book clubs, libraries, museums, and other events in her area.
—Rachel Barber, USA Today, 13 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for take advantage of
Cite this Entry
“Take advantage of.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/take%20advantage%20of. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025.
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