advantage (redirected from advantages)

*the advantage of someone and *the advantage over someone

; *an advantage over someone; *the advantage over someone; *the edge on someone; *the edge over someone a position superior to that of someone else; a status wherein one controls or has superiority or authority over someone else. (*Typically: get ~; give someone ~; have ~.) She'd gotten an advantage over me at the start of the competition. I got an edge on Sally, too, and she came in second.

culturally advantaged

Euph. rich; upper-class. I can't deny I had a culturally advantaged upbringing. The charity appealed to culturally advantaged people to donate time and money to those less fortunate.

show something to good advantage

to display the best features of something; to display something so that its best features are apparent. Put the vase in the center of the table and show it to good advantage. Having and using a large vocabulary shows your intelligence to good advantage.

See also: good, show

take advantage of someone or something

to utilize someone or something to the fullest extent. Try to take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way. Please take advantage of the consultant while she is here in the office.

See also: take

take advantage of someone 

1. to deceive someone. I knew that you wouldn't take advantage of me! I trusted you. Please don't take advantage of me the way you took advantage of Carl.

2. to impose on someone. I am glad to have your help. I hope I am not taking advantage of you. I am glad to do it. You are not taking advantage of me.

See also: take

turn something to one's advantage

to make an advantage for oneself out of something (which might otherwise be a disadvantage). Sally found a way to turn the problem to her advantage. The ice cream store manager was able to turn the hot weather to her advantage.

See also: turn

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take advantage (of somebody)

to use someone's weakness to improve your own situation Mr. Smith often takes advantage of my friendship and leaves the unpleasant tasks for me to do.

See also: take

take advantage (of something) also take full advantage (of something)

to use an opportunity to get or achieve something He took advantage of the prison's education program to earn a college degree. There are peaches and strawberries grown on the farm, and I sure take full advantage of them.

Usage notes: often said of someone who has opportunities that others do not have: The rich can take advantage of clever accounting tricks to avoid taxes.

See also: take

to advantage

in a way that helps you We had to learn to use the landscape to advantage in combat. She chose a dress that would show her fine figure to advantage.