seize the opportunity

seize the opportunity (to do something)

To accept or pursue an opportunity (to do something) with alacrity or conviction. Mark complains about his teaching job a lot, but I knew if he were offered a tenured position in the school, he would seize the opportunity without hesitation. When our manager said she was leaving the company, I seized the opportunity to fill the vacancy. You should have been seizing the opportunity to move someplace new and exciting—instead, you decided to just stay in the same town you've always known.
See also: opportunity, seize
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

seize the opportunity

to take advantage of an opportunity when offered. My uncle offered me a trip to Europe, so I seized the opportunity. Whenever you have a chance, you should seize the opportunity.
See also: opportunity, seize
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • seize the opportunity (to do something)
  • jump at the chance (to do something)
  • jump at the opportunity
  • jump at the opportunity (to do something)
  • leap at the chance (to do something)
  • leap at the opportunity
  • leap at the opportunity (to do something)
  • jump at
  • jump at (something)
  • leap at
References in classic literature
The Frenchman followed the movements of Francis, in such a state of bewilderment that he actually forgot to seize the opportunity of shutting out the fresh air.
The Haunted Hotel
I at once seize the opportunity that is offered to me.
The Two Destinies
His more friendly neighbors may pity him, but all will decline to connect their fortunes with his; and not a few will seize the opportunity of making their fortunes out of his.
Federalist Papers Authored by James Madison
We should not play politics over the issue, but we should collectively appeal the two countries (India and Pakistan) to seize the opportunity to resolve the long pending issue," he said, according to the report.
IoK's mainstream parties term Trump's mediation offer on Kashmir issue, a positive sign
'Upon the election of Senator Ovie Omo-Agege as the DSP, and with the reach out from the various interested persons mentioned above, your leadership has indeed agreed, in its usual reconciliatory manner, to seize the opportunity to again push for a party reconciliation and unification deal that can produce a win-win situation for Delta APC and properly position it.
Emerhor Bows To Pressure, Withdraws Appeal Against Omo-Agege At Supreme Court
Famous opera singer Placido Domingo, President of Europa Nostra, called on Cypriot leaders to seize the opportunity of their new meeting, to discuss the alarming state of heritage and historic buildings which are located in the Nicosia buffer zone.
CYPRUS: Placido Domingo urges leaders to save crumbling Cypriot heritage
Mary Fallin has to call the Legislature back into special session to consider rules for implementation if State Question 788, the medical marijuana issue, passes in June, lawmakers should seize the opportunity to allow sports wagering in Oklahoma.
Editorial: Time to seize an opportunity
Abdullah shared the meeting details on his Twitter account, saying they agreed the Taliban should seize the opportunity created by the peace offer from the Afghan leader.
Abdullah, Janjua want Taliban to seize offer for talks
We would hope that he would seize the opportunity. He does have an opportunity in front of him to choose peace and work towards a negotiated solution, spokesman Mark Toner told a regular briefing at the US State Department.
US hopes new Taliban leader will chose peace
Kerry, who is visiting Japan to participate in the ministers' meeting of the Group of Seven, urged in a summarized statement on his account on Twitter" to seize the opportunity to deliver humanitarian aid and progress in the peaceful resolution.
US welcomes ceasefire in Yemen, parties' commitment
WASHINGTON, Jan 31 (KUNA) -- Secretary of State John Kerry on Sunday appealed to the parties participating in the Syrian peace talks in Geneva to "seize the opportunity for serious negotiations.
Kerry urges Syrian sides in Geneva talks to "seize the opportunity"
IT was inevitable that Audi would one day seize the opportunity to turn a few extra quid and build an RS version.
AN ICE LITTLE EARNER
Meanwhile, Huntelaar's Holland team mate and Manchester City midfielder Nigel de Jong insisted the Oranje must seize the opportunity to progress to the knockout stages.
Bundesliga Club's Dutch Striker has [pounds sterling]16mn Release Clause
Or, if you're really trying to watch the pennies, you could seize the opportunity to trade in your old gas guzzler for a fuel-efficient model.
Plenty to tempt drivers at sales