take advantage of (someone or something)
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 or something
to utilize someone or something to the fullest extent. Try to take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way. Please take advantage of the consultant while she is here in the office.
See also: advantage, of, take
take advantage of someone
1. to deceive someone. I knew that you wouldn't take advantage of me! I trusted you. Please don't take advantage of me the way you took advantage of Carl.
2. to impose on someone. I am glad to have your help. I hope I am not taking advantage of you. I am glad to do it. You are not taking advantage of me.
See also: advantage, of, take
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
take advantage of
Put to good use; avail oneself of; also, profit selfishly by, exploit. For example, Let's take advantage of the good weather and go hiking, or They really take advantage of her good nature, getting her to do all the disagreeable chores . [Late 1300s]
See also: advantage, of, take
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
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
take advantage of something
COMMON If you take advantage of something, you make good use of the opportunities it gives you. I intend to take full advantage of this trip to buy the things we need. While I'm gone take advantage of my absence — have some friends over.
See also: advantage, of, something, take
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.
take advantage of
1 make good use of the opportunities offered by (something). 2 exploit or make unfair use of for your own benefit. 3 (of a man) seduce (especially a sexually inexperienced person). datedSee also: advantage, of, take
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
take adˈvantage of something/somebody
1 make good use of something; to make use of an opportunity: We made sure that we took full advantage of the hotel facilities. Take advantage of our special offer and get two books for the price of one!
2 make use of somebody/something in a way that is unfair or dishonest: He took advantage of my generosity (= for example, by taking more than I had intended to give).
See also: advantage, of, somebody, something, take
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
take advantage of
1. To put to good use; avail oneself of: take advantage of all educational opportunities.
2. To make use of for selfish reasons; achieve a selfish goal by exploiting: took advantage of him by leaving him with the bill; took advantage of his unsuspecting nature.
3. To seduce.
See also: advantage, of, take
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition.
- take advantage of
- take advantage of someone
- take advantage of something
- take advantage of something/somebody
- for (one's) (own) sake
- for sake
- kick (oneself) for (doing something)
- wash one's hands of
- wash your hands of
- wash your hands of somebody/something