Top 43 Slang For Take Advantage Of – Meaning & Usage

Ever found yourself in a situation where you needed to describe someone who takes advantage of others in a more subtle way? Look no further! We’ve got you covered with a list of the trendiest slang terms for “take advantage of”. From casual conversations to social media posts, stay ahead of the curve with these expressions that are sure to elevate your language game. Get ready to level up your slang skills and impress your friends with this handy guide!

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1. Milk

To take advantage of someone or something for personal gain. The term “milk” implies extracting as much benefit as possible, often without regard for the other party’s well-being.

For example, “He milked his connections to get the job.”
In a discussion about unfair business practices, one might say, “Some companies milk their customers for every penny.”
A person might warn, “Don’t let others milk your kindness and generosity.”

2. Hustle

To deceive or trick someone in order to gain an advantage. “Hustle” implies using clever tactics or manipulation to exploit others for personal gain.

For instance, “He hustled his way into a VIP party without a ticket.”
In a conversation about street scams, one might say, “Beware of those who try to hustle you out of your money.”
A person might advise, “Don’t fall for their hustle. They’re just trying to take advantage of you.”

3. Game

To control or influence someone or a situation for personal gain. “Game” refers to the strategic and calculated actions taken to exploit others.

For example, “She played mind games to get what she wanted.”
In a discussion about toxic relationships, one might say, “He’s always trying to game the system and get his way.”
A person might warn, “Don’t let them play games with your emotions. They’re just trying to take advantage of you.”

4. Play

To utilize or take advantage of someone or something for personal benefit. “Play” implies treating others as pawns or objects in order to achieve one’s own goals.

For instance, “He played his friends to get free drinks all night.”
In a conversation about workplace politics, one might say, “Some people will play their colleagues to climb the corporate ladder.”
A person might caution, “Don’t let them play you. They’re only interested in what they can get from you.”

5. Con

To deceive or trick someone into giving up something valuable or to believe something false. “Con” refers to the act of gaining someone’s trust in order to exploit them for personal gain.

For example, “He conned her out of her life savings with a fake investment scheme.”
In a discussion about scams, one might say, “Be aware of con artists who try to trick you into giving them your personal information.”
A person might advise, “Don’t fall for their con. They’re just trying to take advantage of your trust.”

6. Exploit

To exploit means to take advantage of someone or something for personal gain or benefit. It often involves manipulating or using someone or something to achieve one’s own goals.

For example, “He exploited his position of power to gain unfair advantages.”
In a discussion about unfair business practices, one might say, “Some companies exploit cheap labor in developing countries.”
A person might warn, “Be careful not to let others exploit your kindness and generosity.”

7. Shark

To shark someone means to outsmart or deceive them in order to gain an advantage. It is often used in the context of competitive activities, such as gaming or sports.

For instance, “He’s a shark when it comes to poker. He always knows what cards others are holding.”
In a discussion about negotiating, someone might say, “You need to be a shark and drive a hard bargain.”
A person might brag, “I totally sharked my opponent and won the game.”

8. Grind

In slang terms, to grind means to work hard or put in a lot of effort to achieve a goal or make progress. It often implies a relentless and determined approach.

For example, “He’s been grinding for months to prepare for the competition.”
In a discussion about success, someone might say, “There’s no substitute for grinding and putting in the hours.”
A person might encourage others by saying, “Keep grinding and you’ll eventually reach your goals.”

9. Finesse

To finesse means to smoothly manipulate or handle a situation in order to achieve a desired outcome. It often involves using charm, skill, or cleverness to navigate a difficult or tricky situation.

For instance, “She finessed her way into the VIP section of the club.”
In a discussion about negotiation, someone might say, “You need to finesse the conversation to get what you want.”
A person might advise, “Instead of being confrontational, try finesse to resolve the issue.”

10. Use

In the context of taking advantage of someone or something, to use means to exploit or manipulate for personal gain. It often involves utilizing someone’s resources, skills, or abilities without regard for their well-being.

For example, “He used his friend’s connections to get a job.”
In a discussion about toxic relationships, someone might say, “She’s just using him for his money.”
A person might warn, “Don’t let others use you for their own selfish purposes.”

11. Work

This slang term refers to taking advantage of someone or a situation for personal gain. It often implies using someone’s labor or skills without proper compensation or recognition.

For example, “He’s always trying to work me for free labor.”
In a discussion about unfair employment practices, one might say, “Companies need to stop trying to work their employees.”
A person might warn, “Be careful not to let others work you for their own benefit.”

12. Trap

To trap someone means to deceive or manipulate them into a situation that benefits the trapper. It implies using cunning or trickery to take advantage of someone’s vulnerability or naivety.

For instance, “He lured her into a trap by pretending to be someone he wasn’t.”
In a conversation about scams, someone might say, “Don’t fall into the trap of giving away your personal information.”
A person might caution, “Be aware of people who try to trap you into making decisions you’re not comfortable with.”

13. Bamboozle

To bamboozle someone means to trick or deceive them, often by confusing or confounding them with clever or misleading tactics. It implies taking advantage of someone’s gullibility or lack of awareness.

For example, “He bamboozled his way into getting a discount.”
In a discussion about scams, someone might say, “Don’t let anyone bamboozle you with false promises.”
A person might warn, “Be careful not to be bamboozled by smooth talkers.”

14. Snooker

To snooker someone means to outsmart or deceive them, typically in a game or competition. It implies taking advantage of someone’s lack of skill or knowledge to gain an advantage.

For instance, “He snookered his opponent with a clever move.”
In a conversation about cheating, someone might say, “He’s always trying to snooker his way to victory.”
A person might advise, “Don’t let anyone snooker you into making a bad decision.”

15. Swindle

To swindle someone means to deceive or cheat them out of money, property, or other valuables through fraudulent means. It implies taking advantage of someone’s trust or vulnerability for financial gain.

For example, “He swindled her out of her life savings.”
In a discussion about scams, someone might say, “Beware of individuals who try to swindle you out of your hard-earned money.”
A person might caution, “Don’t fall victim to swindlers who promise quick and easy riches.”

16. Scam

To scam someone means to deceive or defraud them, often by promising something that is not true or by tricking them into giving away their money or personal information.

For example, “He got scammed out of his life savings by an online scammer.”
A person might warn others by saying, “Be careful of that website, it’s a scam.”
Someone might say, “I can’t believe I fell for that phone scam. I feel so stupid.”

17. Rip off

To rip off someone means to overcharge or cheat them, often by charging an excessive amount for a product or service.

For instance, “I feel like I got ripped off when I paid $20 for a cup of coffee.”
A person might complain, “The prices at that store are ridiculous. They’re ripping off their customers.”
Someone might say, “Don’t buy that brand, it’s a rip off. You can get the same thing for half the price.”

18. Dupe

To dupe someone means to trick or deceive them, often by making them believe something that is not true.

For example, “He was duped into buying a fake painting.”
A person might say, “Don’t be fooled by his charm, he’s just trying to dupe you.”
Someone might warn others by saying, “Be careful, there are people out there who will try to dupe you into giving them your money.”

19. Gyp

To gyp someone means to cheat or swindle them, often by not delivering what was promised or by taking advantage of their trust.

For instance, “I feel like I got gypped when I bought that faulty product.”
A person might complain, “The repairman charged me double the price for a simple fix. He really gyped me.”
Someone might say, “Watch out for that company, they have a reputation for gyping their customers.”

20. Hoodwink

To hoodwink someone means to deceive or trick them, often by making them believe something that is not true or by misleading them.

For example, “He was hoodwinked into signing a contract without reading the fine print.”
A person might say, “Don’t let him hoodwink you with his smooth talk.”
Someone might warn others by saying, “Be careful, there are people out there who will try to hoodwink you into giving them your personal information.”

21. Flimflam

Flimflam refers to the act of deceiving or tricking someone in order to gain an advantage or profit. It often involves using dishonest or manipulative tactics.

For example, a con artist might flimflam unsuspecting victims out of their money by selling them fake products or services.
In a business context, someone might flimflam their competitors by using unethical practices to gain a competitive edge.
A person might say, “Don’t trust that salesman, he’s known for flimflamming his customers.”

22. Hornswoggle

Hornswoggle means to deceive or cheat someone, often by tricking them into believing something that is not true. It is a slang term that implies a sense of cunning or slyness.

For instance, a scammer might hornswoggle people into giving them their personal information by pretending to be a trusted organization.
In a game of poker, a player might hornswoggle their opponents by bluffing and making them believe they have a better hand than they actually do.
A person might warn others by saying, “Be careful, he’s known to hornswoggle people out of their money.”

23. Snare

Snare means to trap or trick someone into a difficult or disadvantageous situation. It often involves setting up a situation or using cunning tactics to catch someone off guard.

For example, a predator might snare their prey by setting up a hidden trap or ambush.
In a business context, a competitor might snare their rival by luring away their customers or stealing their ideas.
A person might say, “Watch out for that scam, it’s designed to snare unsuspecting victims.”

24. Ensnare

Ensnare means to trap or catch someone in a difficult or disadvantageous situation. It implies a sense of being caught or trapped against one’s will.

For instance, a manipulative person might ensnare their romantic partner by using emotional manipulation or controlling behavior.
In a legal context, law enforcement might ensnare criminals by setting up sting operations or undercover investigations.
A person might say, “She was ensnared in a web of lies and deceit.”

25. Overreach

Overreach means to take advantage of a situation or exploit it beyond acceptable limits. It often involves exceeding one’s authority or pushing the boundaries of what is considered fair or ethical.

For example, a politician might overreach by using their position for personal gain or by making decisions that benefit themselves rather than the public.
In a negotiation, one party might overreach by demanding more than what is reasonable or fair.
A person might say, “He’s known to overreach in business deals, always trying to get more than he deserves.”

26. Expound

To explain or discuss in detail; to present or set forth in a systematic way.

For example, during a lecture, a professor might expound on a complex theory.
In a debate, a participant might expound their argument to provide more evidence and reasoning.
A writer might expound on a particular topic in an article or essay.

27. Capitalize

To take advantage of a situation in order to gain a personal benefit or advantage.

For instance, a business might capitalize on a new trend to increase sales.
A politician might capitalize on a scandal to gain popularity.
A person might capitalize on their skills to advance their career.

28. Leverage

To use something to gain an advantage or achieve a desired outcome.

For example, a company might leverage social media to reach a wider audience.
A negotiator might leverage their knowledge to secure a better deal.
A person might leverage their connections to get a job.

29. Abuse

To use something or someone in a way that is harmful or unfair, often for personal gain.

For instance, an employer might abuse their power by overworking their employees without proper compensation.
A person might abuse their authority to manipulate others for their own benefit.
A scammer might abuse people’s trust to deceive them and steal their money.

30. Manipulate

To influence or control someone or something in a clever or dishonest way for personal gain.

For example, a manipulative person might manipulate their partner’s emotions to get what they want.
A politician might manipulate public opinion through persuasive speeches and media strategies.
A marketer might manipulate consumer behavior through targeted advertising and psychological tactics.

31. Cheat

To cheat means to deceive or trick someone in order to gain an unfair advantage.

For example, in a game, someone might cheat by looking at their opponent’s cards.
In a relationship, cheating refers to being unfaithful to one’s partner.
A student might cheat on an exam by copying someone else’s answers.

32. Swipe

To swipe means to steal or take something without permission.

For instance, someone might swipe a candy bar from a store without paying.
In a more metaphorical sense, swiping can refer to copying someone else’s work or ideas without giving them credit.
A friend might jokingly say, “I’m going to swipe some fries from your plate.”

33. Snag

To snag means to obtain or acquire something, often unexpectedly or by taking advantage of a situation.

For example, someone might snag the last ticket to a popular concert.
In a sale, someone might snag a great deal on a new pair of shoes.
A person might say, “I snagged a free upgrade to first class on my flight.”

34. Pull a fast one

To pull a fast one means to deceive or trick someone in a clever or sneaky way.

For instance, someone might pull a fast one by selling a counterfeit product.
In a negotiation, someone might try to pull a fast one by offering a lower price than they initially agreed upon.
A friend might say, “Don’t trust him, he’s always trying to pull a fast one.”

35. Snow

To snow means to deceive or fool someone, often by presenting false information or stories.

For example, a salesman might try to snow a customer into buying a product they don’t need.
In a conversation, someone might snow others by making up elaborate stories.
A person might say, “Don’t let him snow you with his smooth talk.”

36. Double-cross

To deceive or betray someone, especially after gaining their trust or loyalty. The term “double-cross” implies a deliberate act of betrayal or trickery.

For example, “He double-crossed his business partner by stealing their clients.”
In a spy movie, a character might say, “I can’t trust anyone in this game. It’s all about the double-cross.”
A person recounting a personal experience might say, “I was double-crossed by a friend who took credit for my work.”

37. Shaft

To treat someone unfairly or dishonestly, often by taking advantage of their trust or vulnerability. “Shaft” suggests being deceived or taken advantage of in a way that is disadvantageous or harmful.

For instance, “He got shafted in the business deal and lost a lot of money.”
In a conversation about relationships, someone might say, “She really shafted him by cheating on him.”
A person discussing unfair treatment might say, “I feel like I’m always getting the shaft at work.”

38. Sucker

A person who is easily deceived or taken advantage of, often due to their naivety or trusting nature. “Sucker” implies being easily tricked or manipulated.

For example, “Don’t be a sucker and fall for their scam.”
In a discussion about sales tactics, someone might say, “They use high-pressure tactics to target suckers.”
A person warning others about a con artist might say, “Be careful, he’s known for targeting suckers.”

39. Exploitate

To take unfair advantage of someone or something for personal gain, often through manipulation or deception. “Exploitate” is a slang term derived from the word “exploit.”

For instance, “He tried to exploitate her vulnerability for his own benefit.”
In a conversation about labor practices, someone might say, “Companies that exploitate their workers should be held accountable.”
A person discussing unethical business practices might say, “They’re known for exploitating legal loopholes to maximize profits.”

40. Sharp practice

To engage in dishonest or deceitful behavior in order to gain an advantage or deceive others. “Sharp practice” implies cunning or crafty behavior that is not necessarily illegal but is considered unethical.

For example, “He used sharp practice to win the contract.”
In a discussion about business ethics, someone might say, “We need to discourage sharp practice in the industry.”
A person recounting a personal experience might say, “I encountered sharp practice when dealing with a dishonest salesperson.”

41. Prey on

This phrase refers to taking advantage of someone or something for personal gain. It implies a predatory nature and often involves manipulating or using someone’s vulnerabilities.

For example, “He’s known to prey on the elderly and take their money.”
In a discussion about online scams, someone might warn, “Be careful of scammers who prey on unsuspecting victims.”
A news article might report, “The company was accused of preying on consumers with misleading advertising tactics.”

42. Grift

To grift means to deceive or trick someone in order to gain money or resources. It typically involves clever schemes or scams that exploit the victim’s trust or ignorance.

For instance, “The con artist grifted his way into the victim’s life and stole their savings.”
In a conversation about fraud, someone might say, “Beware of those who try to grift you with fake investment opportunities.”
A movie plot might involve a character who grifts their way to riches through elaborate schemes.

43. Rope in

This phrase means to persuade or convince someone to participate in or be involved in something, often by using manipulative tactics. It implies drawing someone into a situation or taking advantage of their willingness to help.

For example, “He roped in his friends to help with his business, promising them big rewards.”
In a discussion about recruitment tactics, someone might say, “They use clever marketing strategies to rope in unsuspecting job seekers.”
A news headline might read, “Politician accused of roping in supporters with false promises.”