Lesson 104--take advantage of someone/something

take advantage of someone or something

this phrasal verb has positive and negative connotations.

 

positive:  to make the most of an opportunity, chance or situation.

i.e.       He took advantage of his boss' absence to make some important changes.

            Take advantage of all your free time to study more.

negative: to use or exploit someone or something unfairly for your gain.

i.e.       He took advantage of his mother's guilt and made her cook for him.

            Carmen took advantage of her brother to get a ride to school.

            People take advantage of his generosity all the time.