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

In that vein, there have been a number of rumors and whispers that Swift will take advantage of a break in her tour to jump on a plane to either perform or simply appear at the last night of the DNC on August 22. —Dominic Patten, Deadline, 19 Aug. 2024

Educators say the schedule helps educators, students and parents take advantage of the nicer weather during the spring and fall. —Shelby Slade, The Arizona Republic, 16 Aug. 2024

United States Attorney Martin Estrada said at a press conference announcing the charges that the defendants took advantage of Perry, who has long struggled with addiction. —Liam Quinn, Peoplemag, 16 Aug. 2024

Refuse to be a follower or let someone take advantage of you. —Eugenia Last, The Mercury News, 15 Aug. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1618, in the meaning defined at sense 1