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
Additional crews have been ordered to take advantage of the favorable weather and to complete fire line construction.
—Ca Wildfire Bot, Sacbee.com, 11 Sep. 2025
In Target’s own industry, big box retail, Walmart has taken advantage of its vast store network to develop a diversified model that balances digital with in-store experience.
—Dan Gingiss, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
To take advantage of this offer, use the promo code WELCOME at checkout.
—Kasey Caminiti, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025
After a lackluster showing on both sides of the ball Sunday against the Raiders, the model has lost a little faith in the Patriots' ability to take advantage of a fortunate schedule.
—Austin Mock, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for take advantage of
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Ca Wildfire Bot, Sacbee.com, 11 Sep. 2025
In Target’s own industry, big box retail, Walmart has taken advantage of its vast store network to develop a diversified model that balances digital with in-store experience.
—Dan Gingiss, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
To take advantage of this offer, use the promo code WELCOME at checkout.
—Kasey Caminiti, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025
After a lackluster showing on both sides of the ball Sunday against the Raiders, the model has lost a little faith in the Patriots' ability to take advantage of a fortunate schedule.
—Austin Mock, New York Times, 11 Sep. 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 14 Sep. 2025.
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