trade on
Related to trade on: trade down
trade on (something)
To use something toward a calculated often exploitative profit or advantage. The butler traded on his association to the princess for years after her death. The actor trades on his good looks, but he hasn't got much talent.
See also: on, trade
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
trade on something
to use a fact or a situation to one's advantage. Tom was able to trade on the fact that he had once been in the army. John traded on his poor eyesight to get a seat closer to the stage.
See also: on, trade
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
trade on
Profit by, exploit, as in The children of celebrities often trade on their family names. [Late 1800s]
See also: on, trade
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
trade on
or trade uponv.
To put something to calculated and often unscrupulous advantage; exploit something: The children of celebrities sometimes trade on their family names to receive special treatment. People expect me to trade upon my height and join the basketball team, but I play badly.
See also: on, trade
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs.
- trade on (something)
- get the advantage of
- get the advantage of (something)
- have a head start
- emerge from (something) as (something)
- advantage
- turn (something) to (one's) advantage
- turn something to advantage
- turn something to your advantage
- turn to advantage