# take advantage of sb/sth

idiom · CEFR B2

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/take-advantage-of-sb-sth
Updated: 2026-04-22

## Meaning

to use a situation or a person to get what you want. This can be a smart way to use an opportunity, or it can be unfair if you treat someone badly for your own gain.

## Examples

- You should take advantage of the sale to buy new clothes.
- He felt that his boss was taking advantage of him by making him work late every night without extra pay.
- While some investors take advantage of market fluctuations to build wealth, others find the constant uncertainty too risky to manage effectively.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.