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

At Cannes this year, India is pitching itself as a location for international productions hoping to take advantage of the country’s exotic locales, more affordable labor costs, and its workforce that has plenty of experience making movies. —Mathew Scott, The Hollywood Reporter, 16 May 2024

Guests can take advantage of the major perks situated on their doorstep. —Stacey Wreathall and Dafydd Gwyon, Travel + Leisure, 15 May 2024

Kevin Rohani, public works director and city engineer, said initial plans called for a more traditional park with playgrounds and sports fields, but other components were later added to take advantage of the park’s location near water. —Judith Prieve, The Mercury News, 15 May 2024

The Timberwolves were only a plus-three with Jokic off the floor through those four games, failing to take advantage of their supposedly superior depth. —Bennett Durando, The Denver Post, 14 May 2024

While changing tipping norms at home can leave American consumers frustrated over ubiquitous gratuity prompts these days, a completely different set of unspoken rules govern tipping expectations overseas — and some French restaurant operators may be eager to take advantage of foreigners' ignorance. —Megan Cerullo, CBS News, 14 May 2024

From the best websites to catch flight-and-hotel-deals to taking advantage of mileage programs and more, here are three of my top tips for saving money on your next vacation. —Deanna Taylor, Charlotte Observer, 13 May 2024

Those participating can take advantage of complimentary branding and embossing services while enjoying cocktails. —Ivy Manners, New York Times, 9 May 2024

Today, shoppers can take advantage of these deals and save up to 42 percent off on nearly every type of home item, including a stand mixer, a plush mattress, a lightweight vacuum, and more from popular brands like KitchenAid, Shark, Tommy Bahama, and Sealy. —Toni Sutton, Peoplemag, 4 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1618, in the meaning defined at sense 1