27+ Other Ways to Say Take Advantage of (100+ Examples)

While words carry weight, some phrases feel a bit heavy or negative. People often use the term take advantage of when they talk about using a situation, or sometimes, using a person. You might want a softer way to say it, or perhaps a more direct one. Good news, there are many simple swaps for this common phrase. You can sound kind, smart, or just plain clear, depending on which words you pick to use today.

Casual Ways to Say Take Advantage Of

Make the Most Of

This is a great, upbeat way to say you are using a good situation. You use it when you want to get every bit of value out of a fun trip, or maybe a lucky break. It sounds happy, and it feels like you are cheering for someone. Friends say this when they want to encourage each other, because it keeps things light, and very positive.

• You should make the most of your day off by sleeping in.
• We want to make the most of this warm weather before it rains.
• They love to make the most of every free concert in the park.
• Please make the most of the buffet while the food is hot.

Use to Your Gain

Sometimes, you need a way to describe a smart choice that helps you win. This phrase sounds a bit more serious, but it is still clear. It works well when you talk about tools, or skills, that help you move ahead. People like it because it sounds honest, and it shows you are thinking about your own future, which is always a good thing.

• You can use this extra time to your gain by studying more.
• She knew how to use her new skills to your gain in the race.
• Why not use your connections to your gain during the job search?
• They hope to use the quiet office to your gain for the deadline.

Put to Good Use

When you have something that might go to waste, this is the perfect phrase. You use it when you find a purpose for old items, or maybe a spare room in your house. It sounds helpful, and it shows you care about not being wasteful. Everyone likes someone who can turn a small thing into something useful, so it sounds quite smart.

• You could put to good use those old boxes in the garage.
• We decided to put to good use the leftover paint from the wall.
• Please put to good use your free time by reading a new book.
• They want to put to good use the garden space for growing herbs.

Cash in On

This is a very fun, casual way to talk about getting a reward. You hear this when people talk about deals, or maybe making money from a good idea. It sounds like you are grabbing a win before it slips away. Use this when you are talking to close friends, because it feels snappy, and it has a nice bit of energy to it.

• You should cash in on the big sale happening at the store today.
• We can cash in on our loyalty points to get a free meal soon.
• She wants to cash in on the trend while it is still popular now.
• They plan to cash in on their hard work by taking a vacation.

Jump On

When a chance comes by, you need to be quick. This phrase is for those moments when you see a deal, or an opening, and you grab it fast. It sounds excited, and it shows you are ready for action. You would use this in a text, or a quick chat, because it is short, and it gets right to the point.

• You should jump on that flight deal before the price goes up.
• We had to jump on the offer for the house before someone else did.
• Please jump on the project lead role because you are the best fit.
• They wanted to jump on the chance to meet the famous artist today.

Get Mileage Out Of

This is a funny, slightly creative way to say you are keeping something going. You use it when you have a good idea, or maybe a tool, that is still working well. It sounds like you are being smart, and maybe even a little bit thrifty. People use this when they want to show that they are getting real value from their stuff.

• You can get mileage out of that old car for another few years.
• We want to get mileage out of our old jokes during the party.
• She tries to get mileage out of every single lesson she learns here.
• They will get mileage out of the equipment until it finally breaks.

Turn to Your Favor

This phrase sounds a bit like you are playing a game, or maybe moving pieces on a board. You use it when a situation starts off bad, but you manage to make it work for you. It sounds calm, and it shows you have a steady hand. Use it when you are explaining how you fixed a hard problem, or a mess.

• You managed to turn the argument to your favor with kind words.
• We can turn the slow morning to your favor by planning the week.
• She knows how to turn the bad news to your favor with a smile.
• They will turn the rainy day to your favor by playing games inside.

Reap the Rewards Of

This sounds a little more formal, but it is still very warm. You use it when you are talking about the good things that come after hard work. It feels like you are standing in a field at harvest time. People use it when they want to celebrate a win, and it sounds very proud, and truly well deserved.

• You will reap the rewards of your hard work when the bonus comes.
• We love to reap the rewards of planting a garden in the spring.
• She hopes to reap the rewards of her daily practice very soon now.
• They start to reap the rewards of their savings after one full year.

Squeeze the Most From

This is a visual way to describe getting everything you can out of a day, or a task. You use it when you feel like you have very little time, and you want to use it well. It sounds busy, but in a good way. It fits when you are talking about a tight schedule, or a limited amount of resources.

• You should squeeze the most from your weekend by going on a hike.
• We want to squeeze the most from our budget during this vacation trip.
• She likes to squeeze the most from her morning routine before work.
• They hope to squeeze the most from the meeting by staying focused.

Work to Your Advantage

This is a very clear and smart way to say you are using a situation to help yourself. It sounds calm, and it works in almost any chat. You use it when you want to show that you are thinking ahead, or maybe that you are being very careful. It is a solid, reliable phrase that never sounds out of place.

• You can make the quiet time work to your advantage for thinking.
• We want to make the location work to your advantage for the store.
• She knows how to make the rules work to your advantage as well.
• They decide to make the early start work to your advantage today.

Playful Ways to Say Take Advantage Of

Milk It for All It is Worth

This sounds funny, and it paints a clear picture of being clever. You use this when you find a situation that has a lot of good stuff to give, and you want to keep going. It sounds a bit mischievous, but in a very friendly, light way. People say this when they find a loophole, or just a really good deal that lasts for a long time.

• You should milk it for all it is worth while the discount stays.
• We plan to milk it for all it is worth during the free trial.
• She wants to milk it for all it is worth at the buffet table.
• They decided to milk it for all it is worth for the whole week.

Squeeze Every Drop

This is like the one above, but it feels even more intense. You use this when you are having so much fun that you do not want it to stop. It sounds hungry for life, and it shows you have a lot of spirit. Use this when you are with friends who like to go on adventures, and want to stay out late.

• You need to squeeze every drop of fun from this summer break now.
• We will squeeze every drop of joy out of the party tonight, friends.
• She likes to squeeze every drop of energy from her workout sessions.
• They want to squeeze every drop of sunlight from the last day here.

Wring Out the Benefits

This sounds a bit like you are doing laundry, but it is a very common way to talk about getting results. You use it when you want to show that you are being thorough. It sounds like you are serious about getting what you want, but you still have a playful attitude about the whole process, which is nice.

• You should wring out the benefits of that new membership right away.
• We can wring out the benefits of this deal if we act very fast.
• She wants to wring out the benefits of the class for her career.
• They love to wring out the benefits of having a local park nearby.

Ride the Wave

When things are going great, you just want to stay on that path. This phrase is for when you are having a lucky streak, or a project is going perfectly. It sounds smooth, and very relaxed. Use this when you are happy with how life is moving, because it sounds like you are enjoying the ride, not just the ending.

• You should ride the wave while your luck is holding up so well.
• We want to ride the wave of this project while it is easy going.
• She plans to ride the wave of the trend before it fades away soon.
• They choose to ride the wave of the good mood at the office today.

Play It for All It is Worth

This sounds like a game, and that is why it is fun. You use this when you find a situation that helps you, and you decide to stay in it as long as you can. It sounds a bit like you are a clever actor in a scene. People use this when they are teasing their friends about finding a lucky spot.

• You should play it for all it is worth while you are the star.
• We can play it for all it is worth during the holiday season now.
• She wants to play it for all it is worth until the doors close.
• They will play it for all it is worth to keep the party going.

Grab the Low Hanging Fruit

This is a classic way to say you are taking the easiest wins first. It sounds like you are in an orchard, picking apples that are easy to reach. It is a bit funny, and very practical. You use this when you are at work, and you want to show that you know how to be efficient and smart.

• You should grab the low hanging fruit first to build some momentum.
• We need to grab the low hanging fruit before we try the hard stuff.
• She likes to grab the low hanging fruit when she starts her day.
• They want to grab the low hanging fruit to show quick progress now.

Have a Field Day

When you have a situation that is perfect for you, this is the phrase to use. It sounds like you are a kid running in a wide open field. It is very happy, and it shows that you are excited about an opportunity. Use this when you find a place, or a time, where you can do exactly what you want.

• You will have a field day with all those books in the library.
• We can have a field day with the supplies left in the room.
• She had a field day with the new software on her computer today.
• They want to have a field day at the park with the new toys.

Hit the Jackpot

This is for when you find something truly great. You use it when you get a result that is much better than you expected. It sounds like you are lucky, and very happy about it. Use this when you want to tell a friend about a big win, or a very cool discovery you made while looking for something else.

• You hit the jackpot when you found that rare item at the store.
• We hit the jackpot with the weather on our trip to the coast.
• She hit the jackpot by finding such a good seat at the game.
• They think they hit the jackpot with the new house in the city.

Sarcastic Ways to Say Take Advantage Of

Use for Your Own Ends

This phrase sounds a bit cold, and it is usually for when you think someone is being selfish. You use it when you want to point out that a person is only caring about themselves. It is sharp, and it gets the point across very quickly. Use this when you are frustrated, and you want to make your feelings clear.

• You clearly want to use the money for your own ends, not ours.
• He will use the situation for your own ends if you let him.
• They try to use the project for your own ends during the week.
• Why do you use the team for your own ends all the time, really?

Play the System

When you think someone is breaking the rules in a sneaky way, this is the phrase. It sounds like you are watching a game that is not fair. It is a bit bitter, and it is for when you are annoyed by someone who finds a way to win without doing the real work that others do.

• You cannot just play the system to get a better grade today.
• They try to play the system by skipping the hard steps every time.
• Why do you always play the system instead of doing your job?
• She hates when people play the system to get ahead of everyone.

Take People for a Ride

This is for when someone is being lied to, or treated badly. It sounds like you are angry, and you want to warn others to be careful. You use this when you see someone being unfair, and you want to stand up for the person who is getting hurt. It is a very strong, defensive kind of phrase.

• Do not let them take people for a ride with those fake promises.
• He likes to take people for a ride if they are not paying attention.
• They try to take people for a ride to make a quick buck today.
• Why did you let them take people for a ride like that, friend?

Use As a Stepping Stone

When you think someone is just using others to climb higher, this is the right phrase. It sounds cold, and it shows you do not like the way they act. It is for when you see someone leave friends behind as soon as they get a better job, or a better spot in life.

• You are just using them as a stepping stone to get that promotion.
• He treats everyone as a stepping stone to reach the top level.
• They act like a stepping stone is all they need to leave us now.
• Why do you use your best friends as a stepping stone every time?

Twist Things to Suit You

This is for when someone changes the truth to make themselves look good. It sounds very frustrating, and it is for when you feel like you are losing an argument because the other person is not being honest. Use this when you are dealing with someone who is being tricky or very unfair.

• You always twist things to suit you in these heated arguments, really.
• He loves to twist things to suit you whenever he gets in trouble.
• They try to twist things to suit you by hiding the real facts.
• Why do you twist things to suit you instead of being honest now?

Ride the Coattails

This is for when someone is lazy and just follows someone else to get success. It sounds like you are watching someone hold onto the back of a coat. It is a bit mean, but very accurate when you see someone who does not do any work but wants all the glory for themselves.

• You just want to ride the coattails of your hard working partners.
• He likes to ride the coattails of the team to get the rewards.
• They try to ride the coattails of the boss to get more power.
• Why would you ride the coattails of others instead of working hard?

Have Your Fun at Others Expense

When you see someone laughing while someone else is sad, this is the phrase. It is a very serious way to say that the fun is not fair. You use this when you want to call out bad behavior. It is a sharp, direct way to say that what they are doing is wrong.

• You should not have your fun at others expense when they hurt.
• He likes to have your fun at others expense by telling mean lies.
• They try to have your fun at others expense during the party time.
• Why do you have your fun at others expense so much of the time?

Take What You Can Get

This sounds like a pirate grabbing loot. It is for when you think someone is being greedy, and they do not care who they hurt. You use this when you see someone who is just trying to grab as much as possible, as fast as they can. It is a very cynical way to describe a person.

• You just want to take what you can get before the offer ends now.
• He tries to take what you can get from the small company today.
• They want to take what you can get without saying thanks at all.
• Why do you take what you can get instead of sharing with us?

Pull a Fast One

This is a fun way to say someone is being a bit sneaky. It sounds like a trick, or a magic act gone wrong. You use this when you think someone is trying to cheat, but you are not really scared of them. It is more like you are watching them, and you see their silly trick.

• You cannot pull a fast one on me because I know your games now.
• He tries to pull a fast one by changing the rules at the end.
• They will pull a fast one if you leave the room for a minute.
• Why do you always try to pull a fast one during the board game?

Clever Ways to Say Take Advantage Of

Optimize for Your Needs

This sounds smart, and it is good for work or projects. You use it when you are making a plan that fits you perfectly. It sounds like you are an expert, and you know exactly what you are doing. People like this because it sounds professional, and it shows you are thinking about how to be efficient.

• You should optimize for your needs by choosing the right laptop here.
• We can optimize for your needs if we change the schedule slightly.
• She wants to optimize for your needs during the long move today.
• They try to optimize for your needs by checking the list again.

Leverage the Situation

Even if this word sounds a bit big, it is very common in jobs. You use it when you have a tricky situation, and you want to use it to get a better result. It sounds like you are a leader, and you know how to handle hard things with a lot of skill and focus.

• You should leverage the situation to ask for a higher pay rate.
• We need to leverage the situation while the market is still hot.
• She wants to leverage the situation to get more support for work.
• They decide to leverage the situation before the meeting starts now.

Capitalize on the Moment

This is a very strong, professional way to say you are ready. You use it when you see a chance, and you move in to get the best result. It sounds like you are very focused, and you are not going to let this good chance pass you by. It is perfect for a business talk.

• You can capitalize on the moment by signing the deal right now.
• We want to capitalize on the moment while the crowd is here today.
• She plans to capitalize on the moment during her speech tomorrow.
• They should capitalize on the moment to finish the work early now.

Gain an Edge

This is for when you want to be better than everyone else. You use it when you are in a race, or a competition, and you want to win. It sounds like you are smart, and you have a secret plan to move ahead. People use this when they are talking about training, or studying hard.

• You can gain an edge by reading the extra chapters in the book.
• We hope to gain an edge by testing the product before the launch.
• She wants to gain an edge in the job market with new skills.
• They need to gain an edge to win the game against the team.

Put Your Assets to Work

This is a very formal way to talk about using your time, money, or skills. You use it when you are talking about being smart with what you have. It sounds like you are a bank manager, or someone who is very careful with their life choices. It is a good phrase for serious talk.

• You should put your assets to work by saving for a new home.
• We plan to put your assets to work during the busy season now.
• She wants to put your assets to work instead of letting them sit.
• They need to put your assets to work to keep the business alive.

Extract the Value

When you have a big task, and you want to find the best parts of it, use this. It sounds like a scientist looking for the best answer. You use this when you are analyzing a problem, or looking for the best way to get a job done. It sounds very precise and very thorough.

• You should extract the value from every meeting to improve daily.
• We want to extract the value of this old data for the report.
• She tries to extract the value of the trip for her blog posts.
• They want to extract the value of the lesson for the class now.

Harness the Power Of

This is for when you are using something strong to help you succeed. You use it when you talk about technology, or maybe a team of great people. It sounds like you are doing something big. Use this when you feel excited about a new tool, or a new group of friends you have.

• You can harness the power of the internet to learn new skills.
• We need to harness the power of the sun for our new house.
• She wants to harness the power of the team to hit the goals.
• They try to harness the power of the new engine for the car.

Direct Ways to Say Take Advantage Of

Use

This is the simplest way to say it. You do not need to use big words. Sometimes, just saying exactly what you mean is the best path. You use this in everyday talk when you want to be clear, and you do not want any confusion. It is short, and it always works perfectly fine.

• You should use your time wisely while you are here today.
• We can use the extra wood to build a small desk for you.
• She wants to use the new paint for the kitchen walls now.
• They decide to use the map to find their way home fast.

Benefit From

This is a very clear and kind way to say you are getting good things. You use it when you are in a situation that is helping you grow, or learn. It sounds very nice, and it feels like you are grateful for the chance. It is a perfect phrase to use in a thank you note.

• You will benefit from the new classes at the community center.
• We want to benefit from the advice of the older workers here.
• She hopes to benefit from the new rules at the office soon.
• They will benefit from the quiet time in the library today.

Profit From

When you are talking about money or success, this is the right word. You use it when you see a way to get a reward for your efforts. It sounds like a solid, clear, and honest way to describe the result of your hard work. It is very common in work emails, and talks about money.

• You can profit from the sale of your old furniture this weekend.
• We want to profit from the new ideas we had for the shop.
• She hopes to profit from her investment in the local project.
• They will profit from the hard work they put into the garden.

Put to Use

This is like saying you are finally starting something. You use it when you have been waiting to try a tool, or a skill, and now is the time. It is a very active, clear phrase. You use it when you are showing someone what you have done with your new stuff.

• You should put to use the new tools you bought for the shed.
• We can put to use the lessons we learned in the last class.
• She wants to put to use her cooking skills for the dinner.
• They need to put to use the plan they made for the trip.

Get Value Out Of

When you want to show that you are being careful with your stuff, use this. You use it when you talk about making sure your money, or your effort, was worth it. It is a very honest way to talk about the things you own, or the projects you are working on daily.

• You should get value out of your gym membership by going daily.
• We can get value out of this old car for a few more miles.
• She wants to get value out of her time at the conference.
• They hope to get value out of the training session for work.

Exploit

This word is very strong, so use it carefully. You use it when you are talking about using a resource, like a mine or a forest, for a good purpose. Sometimes it means using someone, but in a work context, it just means using a chance to the very fullest. It sounds very serious.

• You should exploit the chance to learn from the best teachers.
• We can exploit the new market to grow our small business fast.
• She wants to exploit the local resources for her new art.
• They hope to exploit the trend to sell more of their goods.

Summary of Alternate Ways

Final Thoughts

I hope these simple swaps help you speak exactly how you want. Picking the right words can change how people feel about what you say. Whether you are at work or just hanging out with a friend, try these out. Stay friendly, keep it easy, and enjoy the way your words flow today. Good luck out there.