take advantage of someone
take advantage of (someone or something)
1. To utilize or avail oneself of something to the fullest possible extent. We took advantage of the downturn in real estate sales to get a good deal on a house. You should take advantage of the hotel's gym and pool while we're here.
2. To exploit someone or something for one's own purpose, gain, or agenda. It's unfortunately very common for elderly people to fall prey to online scam artists who take advantage of their lack of technological know-how. Advertisers try to take advantage of our basic need to feel included in a group, making us feel that we're somehow missing out if we aren't buying what they're selling.
3. To coerce someone into a sexual interaction who is incapable of giving full or proper consent. That scumbag always tries to take advantage of the women who've had a few drinks at the holiday party. The coach was sentenced for taking advantage of one of the girls on his team.
See also: advantage, of, take
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
take advantage of someone
COMMON If someone takes advantage of you, they treat you unfairly for their own benefit, especially when you are trying to be kind or to help them. She took advantage of him even after they were divorced. `I hope Simon's paying you for this,' she said. `Don't let him take advantage of you.'
See also: advantage, of, someone, take
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.
- take advantage of
- take advantage of (someone or something)
- take advantage of something
- take advantage of something/somebody
- for (one's) (own) sake
- for sake
- kick (oneself) for (doing something)
- wash hands of
- wash your hands of
- wash your hands of somebody/something