student asking question

What's "take advantage of" mean? Is this a phrasal verb?

teacher

Native speaker’s answer

Rebecca

Correct, take advantage of is a phrasal verb or idiomatic expression. We use this phrase to express a desire to make good use of something (usually an opportunity). It can also be used in a negative way to mean that you are using something or someone to your own benefit and possibly exploiting it. Ex: I am going to take advantage of my summer holiday and spend all my time at the beach! Ex: I am going to make good use of my time off and spend it doing something that I enjoy. Ex: I feel like my friend is always taking advantage of my generosity. Ex: I think that my friend is using me because I am very kind to him, but he never does kind things for me.

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