Interactions - Taking Advantage

Explore English idioms that relate to taking advantage, including "fish in troubled waters" and "want jam on it".

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to [press] home {one's} advantage [phrase]

to maximize one's current advantage or position of strength in a particular situation

Ex: During negotiations , he knew it was essential to press home his advantage by securing favorable terms for his company .

to [get|be] in on the act [phrase]

to take advantage of or become involved in an activity that someone else has started in an attempt to achieve the same amount of success or profit

Ex: She noticed her friends having so much fun volunteering at the community event that she decided to get in on the act .

to [fish] in troubled waters [phrase]

to make effort to turn a difficult situation in one's favor

Ex: He saw the disagreement as a chance to fish in troubled waters and advance his own agenda .

to [have] {one's} cake and eat it (too|) [phrase]

to desire to have two things that are impossible to have without sacrificing the other

Ex:

to [know] which side {one's} bread is buttered on [phrase]

to know the exact way to treat others or how to act so as to get what one desires

Ex: It 's important to know which side your bread is buttered on and make decisions that advance your career .

to [have] it both ways [phrase]

to benefit from two opposing or contradictory situations or options at the same time

Ex:

to {not} [give] {sb} an even break [phrase]

to take advantage of someone who is easily tricked instead of giving them a fair chance

Ex:

to [give] {sb} an inch [phrase]

to treat someone in such a kind and generous manner that they become greedy and ungrateful to one

Ex: The team leader gave a team member some flexibility in their work schedule , and now they 're pushing for even more flexible hours — give them an inch , and they 'll seek greater flexibility .

want jam on it [sentence]

used to ask if someone wants extra or additional benefits or features, often in a playful manner

Ex:

Interactions
Help & Support	Aid & Assistance	Praise & Good Treatment	Mistreatment & Misconduct
Gratitude & Ingratitude	Sympathy	Enmity	Retaliation
Taking Advantage	Betrayal	Abuse & Manipulation	Jokes & Pranks
Mockery & Ridicule