The phrase take advantage refers to using a situation, a person, or an opportunity for personal gain, often in an unethical or exploitative way. When someone “takes advantage” of another, it usually implies that they are benefiting at the expense of the other person, often by exploiting their weaknesses, trust, or vulnerability. This term can describe actions that are manipulative or opportunistic, especially when the person being taken advantage of does not realize the harm being done. It can apply to both minor situations (like getting a discount unfairly) and more serious cases of exploitation (such as using someone’s resources or labor without fair compensation).
Example Sentences Using Take advantage (exploit):
- He tried to take advantage of her kindness by asking for more favors than was fair.
- The company was accused of taking advantage of its workers by paying them less than the minimum wage.
- She was hurt to realize that he had taken advantage of her trust and shared their private conversations with others.
- They often take advantage of the tourists by charging them inflated prices for simple services.
- His manipulative tactics were designed to take advantage of her vulnerability during a difficult time.
- Some people take advantage of tax loopholes to avoid paying their fair share of taxes.
- The scam artist took advantage of people’s fears, convincing them to invest in a fake business.
- He felt guilty for taking advantage of the situation when his friend was distracted and left their shared project incomplete.
- They will take advantage of any opportunity to gain power, even if it means stepping on others.
- It’s wrong to take advantage of someone’s goodwill to further your own interests without offering anything in return.
Synonyms for Take advantage (exploit):
- Exploit
- Use
- Manipulate
- Abuse
- Profit from
- Capitalize on
- Leverage
- Milk
- Make the most of
- Take full benefit
Antonyms for Take advantage (exploit):
- Support
- Aid
- Assist
- Help
- Respect
- Value
- Honor
- Empower
- Return the favor
- Be fair
Related Words:
- Exploitation
- Manipulation
- Deception
- Self-interest
- Opportunism
- Greed
- Abuse of power
- Corruption
- Injustice
- Taking liberties
Phrasal Verbs:
- Take advantage of (e.g., She took advantage of the sunny weather to go for a walk.)
- Cash in on (e.g., He tried to cash in on the trend by launching a new product.)
- Make use of (e.g., They made use of the empty lot to park their car for free.)
- Leverage (e.g., She leveraged her connections to get a job offer faster.)
- Use up (e.g., He used up all the available resources without giving back anything in return.)
Idiomatic Expressions:
- “Push someone to the limit” (to take advantage of someone until they have nothing left to give)
- “Ride on someone’s coattails” (to gain success or benefit by using someone else’s achievements or resources)
- “Make a killing” (to earn a large profit, often in a way that exploits others or an opportunity)
- “At the expense of” (to gain something while causing harm or loss to someone or something else)
- “Pull the strings” (to manipulate or control others for personal gain)