30+ Other Ways to Say Taking Advantage of (100+ Examples)

We love finding new words, especially when we want to be clear. Maybe someone is being a bit sneaky, or maybe they just see a lucky chance. We need the right words to describe these moments, don’t we? Some phrases sound polite, some sound harsh, and some are just plain funny. You can pick the best fit for your talk, your text, or even your work email. Let us look at all the ways to say it.

Casual Ways to Say Taking Advantage Of

Riding the Wave

When someone jumps on a trend, they are just riding the wave. It means they see something good is happening, and they want to be part of the fun. You would use this when things are moving fast, and someone wants to grab a slice of the pie. It is light, it is breezy, and it sounds like you are just chatting about a friend.

• He saw the craze, so he started riding the wave to get more sales.
• You are really riding the wave of this new app, aren’t you?
• She is just riding the wave, but she is doing it well.
• Everyone is riding the wave, so do not feel left out today.

Jumping on the Bandwagon

Friends often use this when someone joins a group just to win. It sounds a bit silly, but it tells the truth about what is happening. You might say this when a person changes their mind to match the crowd. It is very common, very easy to say, and it fits perfectly in a casual text or a quick phone call with a buddy.

• They are just jumping on the bandwagon to look cool.
• Please stop jumping on the bandwagon every time a new fad starts.
• She is jumping on the bandwagon, so she can be part of the crew.
• You keep jumping on the bandwagon, but do you like the music?

Playing the Game

Sometimes life feels like a contest, and people try to win at any cost. You use this when someone knows all the tricks to get ahead. It is a bit sneaky, but it is not always bad. Maybe they are just smart about their choices. Use this when you see someone acting clever, or maybe a little bit crafty, to get a better spot.

• He knows how to keep playing the game better than most people.
• Stop playing the game, and just be honest with me for once.
• She is playing the game to get that promotion at her office.
• We are all playing the game, so do not act so surprised.

Making the Most Of

This is a nice way to say someone is using a chance well. It sounds positive, even if the person is being a bit greedy. You use this when you want to sound supportive, or when you are describing a smart business move. It is a safe phrase to use anywhere, and it never hurts anyone's feelings when you say it out loud.

• He is making the most of his free time this weekend.
• She is making the most of the sale, so she bought everything.
• You are making the most of this trip, and I am proud.
• They are making the most of the weather before it rains.

Cleaning Up

When someone takes a lot of money or gains a big reward, they are cleaning up. It sounds like they are sweeping everything into their pockets. You can say this when a friend wins a bet, or when a shop makes lots of money on a busy day. It feels energetic, a little bit bold, and very fun to say during a night out.

• That store is cleaning up because the prices are so low.
• He is cleaning up at the poker table, so let us go home.
• They are cleaning up this year, and everyone is very jealous.
• Stop cleaning up, and leave some candy for the rest of us.

Milking It

This phrase is for when someone stretches a good thing as long as they can. Maybe they are hurt, and they stay home just to get extra rest. You use this when you think someone is being a bit lazy, or just getting too much help. It is a funny, slightly mean, but very common way to describe someone taking too much.

• Stop milking it, because we know you are feeling better now.
• He is milking it to get out of doing the dishes.
• She is milking it for all it is worth, and I laugh.
• You are milking it, but at least you are having fun.

Taking a Slice

Think of a pie, and someone taking a piece of it. That is what this means. It works well when someone wants a share of the profits or the credit. You would use this in a meeting or when talking about money. It sounds a bit hungry, but it is very clear and gets the point across to your friends easily.

• He wants to be taking a slice of the action this time.
• Are you taking a slice of the cake, or just the crumbs?
• She is taking a slice of the profits from the new deal.
• We are all taking a slice, so keep your hands off mine.

Working the Room

This is about charm. Someone is talking to everyone to get what they want. It is a skill, really. You use this when someone is being very social to find a lead or a job. It sounds like they are putting in the work, but with a bit of a sneaky smile on their face. It fits well in party talk.

• He is working the room to find a new business partner.
• Stop working the room, and come talk to your own friends.
• She is working the room, so she will get that job soon.
• You are working the room, and it is honestly quite impressive today.

Turning a Profit

This is a calm way to say someone is doing well from a situation. It sounds very business-like, but you can use it with friends to talk about a lucky break. It is not mean at all. It just means they saw a chance and they used it to fill their wallet. It is simple, polite, and very easy to understand.

• They are turning a profit from the stuff they found cheap.
• I am turning a profit, so why should I be sad?
• He is turning a profit, and he wants to share it now.
• We are turning a profit, so let us eat at a restaurant.

Getting a Deal

Sometimes people just find a bargain. This is the simplest way to say it. You use this when someone gets something for a great price because the other person did not know the value. It is not really mean, just smart. You can say this when you are out shopping, or when you are talking about your latest lucky find.

• He is getting a deal on that old car from his neighbor.
• You are getting a deal, so just pay the man now.
• She is getting a deal, and she knows it, so hush up.
• We are getting a deal, and it makes me very happy today.

Playful Ways to Say Taking Advantage Of

Snatching Up

Imagine someone grabbing something quickly, like a bird catching a bug. That is the vibe here. It sounds fast and a little bit greedy, but in a fun way. Use this when you are talking about someone who is quick to grab a bargain or a hot item. It makes the person sound like they are on a mission, which is always funny to see.

• He is snatching up every toy he sees at the store.
• You are snatching up all the cookies, so leave some here.
• She is snatching up deals before anyone else gets a chance.
• They are snatching up the tickets, so we must be quick.

Being a Hawk

This one is for people who watch for a chance, and then they strike. It sounds a bit intense, but it is just a funny way to say someone is very sharp. Use this when you see someone waiting for a mistake to happen so they can win. It is a great way to tease a friend who is always looking for a deal.

• You are being a hawk, and you want that last seat.
• He is being a hawk, so watch your wallet around him.
• She is being a hawk, and she will get the prize.
• Stop being a hawk, and just relax for a little while.

Sweeping the Board

Think of a game where someone wins every single point. That is what this means. It is a bit dramatic, but it is perfect for when someone is winning big. You can use this when a team is doing great, or when a friend is having a very lucky streak. It feels like a big win, so say it with a smile.

• He is sweeping the board, and he will win the game.
• You are sweeping the board, so tell me your lucky secret.
• She is sweeping the board, and she feels like a queen.
• They are sweeping the board, so let us go eat dinner.

Grabbing the Gold

This sounds like a pirate story, doesn’t it? It means someone is going for the big prize. You can use it when someone is really hungry for success. It sounds a bit intense, but it is usually said with a laugh. It works best when you want to make a joke about someone being a bit too ambitious for their own good.

• He is grabbing the gold, and he does not care who.
• You are grabbing the gold, so stop acting so humble now.
• She is grabbing the gold, and she will be rich soon.
• They are grabbing the gold, but they have no real plan.

Picking the Pockets

This sounds like a thief, but use it as a joke. When someone is getting money or perks easily, you say this. It is very playful and lighthearted. Do not use this in a serious meeting, but use it with your closest pals. It is the perfect way to tease someone who is always getting the best end of a deal.

• You are picking the pockets of the company with that bonus.
• He is picking the pockets of everyone at the card table.
• She is picking the pockets of her fans, but they love.
• Stop picking the pockets, and buy us a drink, please friend.

Eating the Lunch

This phrase means someone is winning while the other person loses. It is like taking food right off someone else's plate. It sounds mean, but it is very vivid. You use this when someone beats a rival in a funny, clever way. It makes the win sound even bigger. It is a great way to talk about sports or games.

• He is eating the lunch of his boss, and it shows.
• You are eating the lunch of your rival, so keep going.
• She is eating the lunch of the team, and it hurts.
• We are eating the lunch of the others, so be proud.

Cleaning the Slate

This is for when someone takes all the goods and leaves nothing behind. It sounds like a big cleanup job. You use this when someone is very greedy, but you are just laughing about it. It is a funny way to describe someone who grabs everything, even the small stuff, because they just want to win the day.

• He is cleaning the slate of all the good deals today.
• You are cleaning the slate, so leave some for the rest.
• She is cleaning the slate, and she looks very happy now.
• They are cleaning the slate, and they do not feel sorry.

Playing the Shark

Sharks are fast and they are hunters. Use this when someone is being very aggressive to get what they want. It is a bit scary, but it is a classic joke. You can say this to a friend who is trying to win a game of cards. It makes them sound tough, even if they are just being silly and having fun.

• He is playing the shark, so hide your money right now.
• You are playing the shark, and it is making me laugh.
• She is playing the shark, so she will get the win.
• Stop playing the shark, and just be a nice guy today.

Sarcastic Ways to Say Taking Advantage Of

Being a Saint

This is for when you think someone is being a jerk, but you want to pretend they are nice. It is very biting. Use this when someone claims they are helping, but they are really just helping themselves. It is the perfect phrase for when you want to show you know the truth, but you want to stay calm.

• He is being a saint by taking all the best seats.
• You are being a saint, and we all see your trick.
• She is being a saint, but she just wants the money.
• They are being a saint, so please do not trust them.

Playing the Victim

Some people act like they are hurt just to get help. This is for them. It is very sarcastic because it points out their fake sadness. Use this when you are tired of someone acting like the world is against them. It is a sharp way to call someone out without starting a big, messy fight in public.

• He is playing the victim to get out of the chores.
• You are playing the victim, and it is getting very old.
• She is playing the victim, but she is actually quite fine.
• They are playing the victim, so ignore their sad little story.

Acting Out of Kindness

When someone does a good deed, but only for a reward, say this. It is very dry. It shows you know exactly what they are doing. It works best when you are talking to a friend who also sees the person is being fake. Keep your voice flat when you say it to get the full effect of the sarcasm.

• He is acting out of kindness, or so he says today.
• You are acting out of kindness, and we all know why.
• She is acting out of kindness, but she wants the cash.
• They are acting out of kindness, and it is a joke.

Being So Generous

This is the best way to mock someone who is being stingy. If they take everything, call them generous. It makes them look silly. Use this when someone grabs a big piece of the pie and acts like it is no big deal. It is very biting, very funny, and very clear to anyone who is listening to you.

• He is being so generous by taking the last slice here.
• You are being so generous, and we are all very impressed.
• She is being so generous, but she kept all the gold.
• They are being so generous, and it is just so funny.

Living the Dream

Use this when someone is getting a free ride on someone else. It is sarcastic because the dream is usually someone else’s work. You can use it when a friend is staying on your couch for too long. It is a light way to say they need to move on, without being too mean or hurtful to their face.

• He is living the dream on my couch, and I wait.
• You are living the dream, so when are you leaving here?
• She is living the dream, and it is at my expense.
• They are living the dream, but they do not pay rent.

Looking Out for Others

This is for when someone is clearly only looking out for themselves. It is the opposite of the truth. Use it when someone claims they are doing a favor, but they are just getting a benefit. It is a very clever way to point out selfishness. Say it with a smirk to let people know you are joking.

• He is looking out for others by keeping all the stuff.
• You are looking out for others, but you want the prize.
• She is looking out for others, and it is very funny.
• They are looking out for others, but they want the cash.

Being a Helper

When someone jumps in to help, but only when there is a reward, say this. It is a dry way to talk about selfish folks. You can use this in an office setting if you keep your voice quiet. It is a nice way to vent to a buddy about someone who is not really being a true team player.

• He is being a helper, but only when money is involved.
• You are being a helper, and we know your true goal.
• She is being a helper, so she can get the best spot.
• They are being a helper, and it is a real shame.

Showing Concern

This is for when someone pretends to care about a problem, just to get a chance to take control. It is very sarcastic. Use this when a person acts like they are worried, but you know they are just waiting to jump in. It is a smart way to call out fake worry and make your point very clear.

• He is showing concern, so he can take the big lead.
• You are showing concern, but you just want the credit.
• She is showing concern, and we all know it is fake.
• They are showing concern, but they are just being greedy.

Sharing the Load

This is for when someone says they will help, but they actually do nothing. It is a very sarcastic way to point out that they are letting you do all the work. Use it when a partner is being lazy. It is a simple way to express your annoyance without being too mean about it today.

• He is sharing the load by sitting in the chair there.
• You are sharing the load, and I am doing all work.
• She is sharing the load, but I see her doing nothing.
• They are sharing the load, and it is a bad joke.

Formal Ways to Say Taking Advantage Of

Exploiting an Opportunity

This is the most standard way to say someone is using a chance to get ahead. It sounds very serious. You use this in a business report, or in a formal talk with a boss. It is not mean, it is just a plain fact. It tells people that someone saw a good opening and they used it.

• He is exploiting an opportunity to grow his small business today.
• We are exploiting an opportunity that the market gave to us.
• She is exploiting an opportunity, and it shows in her work.
• They are exploiting an opportunity, so let us watch them work.

Capitalizing on the Situation

This means you are using a moment to your benefit. It is very professional. Use this when you are talking about strategy or success in a meeting. It sounds smart, calm, and very focused. It is a great way to explain why someone did something without sounding like you are judging them for their smart, bold choices.

• He is capitalizing on the situation to fix the budget gaps.
• You are capitalizing on the situation, and it is quite good.
• She is capitalizing on the situation, so we must be fast.
• They are capitalizing on the situation to gain more market share.

Maximizing the Benefit

When you want to get the most out of something, you say this. It is very common in school or at work. It sounds like you are being very efficient. Use this when you are talking about getting the most value from a project. It is a safe, clear phrase that everyone will understand without any confusion.

• He is maximizing the benefit of the new software at work.
• We are maximizing the benefit, so the cost will be low.
• She is maximizing the benefit, and the results are very clear.
• They are maximizing the benefit, so do not stop them now.

Leveraging the Asset

This sounds like something a banker would say. It means using what you have to get more. Use this when you are talking about money or resources. It sounds very formal, so keep it for serious talks. It is a bit fancy, but it is very accurate when describing how people grow their business or their wealth.

• He is leveraging the asset to buy more land this year.
• We are leveraging the asset, and the bank is very happy.
• She is leveraging the asset, so she will be rich soon.
• They are leveraging the asset, but it is a risky move.

Securing an Advantage

When you want to get ahead of others, you secure an advantage. It sounds very firm and solid. Use this in a serious conversation about competition. It shows that you are thinking ahead. It is a neutral way to describe someone getting a lead, without sounding like they are being mean or sneaky at all.

• He is securing an advantage before the other team even starts.
• We are securing an advantage, and it will help us win.
• She is securing an advantage, so she feels very safe now.
• They are securing an advantage, but they worked hard for it.

Profiting From the Change

Things change, and some people do well because of it. That is what this means. Use this to explain why someone is successful after a big event. It is very clear and professional. It does not blame the person, it just notes that they were ready when the change happened, which is a good thing.

• He is profiting from the change in the new tax law.
• We are profiting from the change, so let us stay calm.
• She is profiting from the change, and her stocks are up.
• They are profiting from the change, but they were also lucky.

Utilizing the Resources

This is a very simple, professional way to say you are using what you have. If someone uses their tools well to get ahead, you say this. It is very polite. Use this in a job review or a project update. It sounds like you are being responsible and smart with the things that you are given.

• He is utilizing the resources to get the job done fast.
• We are utilizing the resources, so we will finish on time.
• She is utilizing the resources, and it is a good plan.
• They are utilizing the resources, so the budget is all safe.

Creative Ways to Say Taking Advantage Of

Striking While the Iron is Hot

This is a classic way to say you are using a moment well. It means you act fast when things are just right. It is very visual and easy to understand. You can use this with friends or in a more relaxed office chat. It makes you sound like a very smart person who knows how to spot success.

• He is striking while the iron is hot to get that deal.
• You are striking while the iron is hot, and it works.
• She is striking while the iron is hot, so be ready soon.
• We are striking while the iron is hot, and we feel great.

Fishing in Calm Waters

When things are quiet and easy, you can get a lot done. That is what this means. It is a lovely image. Use it when someone is having an easy time getting a win because the competition is low. It sounds peaceful, but it still means they are getting what they want from the situation today.

• He is fishing in calm waters to build his huge wealth.
• You are fishing in calm waters, so enjoy the easy life.
• She is fishing in calm waters, and she will be happy.
• They are fishing in calm waters, so why are you mad?

Harvesting the Crop

This sounds like farming, but it is about gathering your rewards. When you have worked hard and now you get the benefits, you are harvesting the crop. Use this when someone is finally getting paid for their efforts. It sounds natural, earthy, and very satisfying to say when things are going just the right way.

• He is harvesting the crop, and his garden looks so good.
• You are harvesting the crop, so enjoy your hard won money.
• She is harvesting the crop, and she feels very proud now.
• They are harvesting the crop, and they will be rich soon.

Catching the Wind

When the timing is perfect, you catch the wind. It means you are using the natural flow of things to move faster. Use this when you are talking about success that comes from being in the right place. It sounds very graceful. It is a nice way to say someone is doing well, without sounding mean or greedy.

• He is catching the wind, and his boat is moving fast.
• You are catching the wind, so do not let it slip away.
• She is catching the wind, and she loves the speed now.
• They are catching the wind, so they will win the race.

Mining for Gold

This means you are looking for value in a place where others do not see it. It is a very creative way to describe someone finding a good deal. Use this when you are talking about a smart investor or a clever buyer. It sounds like work, but it also sounds like a big reward is coming.

• He is mining for gold in the old dusty basement bins.
• You are mining for gold, so keep digging in that spot.
• She is mining for gold, and she found a real treasure.
• They are mining for gold, but they work very hard daily.

Picking the Low Hanging Fruit

This is for when you go for the easiest wins first. It is very common in work and life. Use it when you want to show that you are being smart by doing the easy tasks first to get a quick result. It is a very popular, simple, and effective way to describe getting quick results.

• He is picking the low hanging fruit to get his goals.
• You are picking the low hanging fruit, so you are fast.
• She is picking the low hanging fruit, and she is done.
• They are picking the low hanging fruit, so we are next.

Summary of Alternate Ways

Final Thoughts

I hope you found the perfect words to use today. Language is such a fun tool to play with when you know your options. Do not worry about picking the right one every single time. Just pick the one that feels best for your friend or for the room you are in. Enjoy your new words.