take advantage

To use something useful that is available to you.

• The museum is free, so take advantage.
• We took advantage of the hotel’s laundry service.
• Have you taken advantage of the free lessons?

How to use it: take advantage of something (Guests can take advantage of the free swimming pool.); take advantage of something to do something (We took advantage of the sunshine to have a picnic.)

Similar words: make use of, use, avail oneself of

Common phrases: take advantage, take advantage of something

To deliberately use a situation to get a benefit for yourself.

• Prices fell, and investors took advantage.
• She took advantage of his mistake to win the game.
• They took advantage of the crisis to increase their profits.

How to use it: take advantage of something (She took advantage of falling prices to buy a flat.); take advantage of something to do something (They took advantage of the delay to prepare a better offer.)

Similar words: capitalize on, exploit, benefit from

Common phrases: take advantage, take advantage of something, take advantage of someone