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

Start early and take advantage of compound growth is the mantra of almost every financial adviser. —Medora Lee, USA Today, 23 May 2025

The Vikings’ expectations are too high not to take advantage of any potential edges. —Alec Lewis, New York Times, 22 May 2025

Connecting a fintech’s customers to wealth-building tools takes advantage of the moment, transforming interest into action and inspiring return visits. —Lindsey Downing, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025

Start by signing up on the following sportsbook apps and take advantage of each welcome offer. —Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 May 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