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
Fall is the perfect season to take advantage of cooler temperatures and spend some time in nature—and REI’s early Black Friday sale is teeming with travel-ready deals that will majorly upgrade your adventures without breaking the bank.
—Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 31 Oct. 2025
Art directors Jason Kirschner and Kait Taylor took advantage of that and then some, designing a period-perfect art deco set completely grayscaled.
—Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 31 Oct. 2025
Using his position as a teacher, Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell said Kapahulehua groomed the girls and took advantage of their trust.
—Daniella Segura, Sacbee.com, 30 Oct. 2025
Jennifer Seitz, director of family finance and education at Greenlight, suggests taking advantage of card features that allow parents to automate allowance.
—Melissa Willets, Parents, 30 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for take advantage of
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Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 31 Oct. 2025
Art directors Jason Kirschner and Kait Taylor took advantage of that and then some, designing a period-perfect art deco set completely grayscaled.
—Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 31 Oct. 2025
Using his position as a teacher, Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell said Kapahulehua groomed the girls and took advantage of their trust.
—Daniella Segura, Sacbee.com, 30 Oct. 2025
Jennifer Seitz, director of family finance and education at Greenlight, suggests taking advantage of card features that allow parents to automate allowance.
—Melissa Willets, Parents, 30 Oct. 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 5 Nov. 2025.
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