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

Marysol is smart to take advantage of this and makes Adriana look terrible in front of the group. —Brian Moylan, Vulture, 26 Sep. 2025

Apply Now to take advantage of this offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions. —Raina He, CNBC, 25 Sep. 2025

Below is a list of what to see, what to do, where to stay, and where to eat to take advantage of this delightfully slow time. —Andrea Grisdale, Travel + Leisure, 25 Sep. 2025

The Guardians had two infield singles, a bunt single, and an RBI-groundout in the frame, while also taking advantage of a series of mistakes by Skubal — throwing error, a balk and a wild pitch. —Zack Meisel, New York Times, 24 Sep. 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