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Words and Their StoriesLearning Expressions with VOA
Processed with VS1Describe making good use of favorable conditions—and notice when “taking advantage” sounds unfair.
VOA source audio
Source: VOA Learning English · Words and Their Stories
View original article & transcript“Make hay while the sun shines” means use favorable conditions or an opportunity while it is available. The episode also describes getting ahead by acting first, including a negative example in which a coworker exploits another person’s illness to take over a project. The shorter “make a little hay” keeps the basic idea.
Cultural note: The phrase can praise preparation or sensible timing, but “take advantage” can also mean exploit someone. The listener must use context to tell whether a person is making good use of an opportunity or behaving unfairly. Do not present the exploitative example as advice.
Keep exploringA sunny week gives a gardener time to finish outdoor work before rain arrives. A coworker’s illness, however, is not a fair opportunity to seize their project. What makes the same “take advantage” idea feel different?
Phrase guide · 5 expressions
Original explanations and examples, created for learners. Save a card for later or hear the phrase spoken by your browser.
Act while conditions are favorable and the opportunity remains.
Meaning
Make good use of favorable conditions or an opportunity while it lasts.
Tone & use
Often encouraging and practical: do useful work when the time is right. Depending on context, it can also describe opportunistic behavior.
Example
“The forecast is clear this weekend, so let’s make hay while the sun shines and paint the fence.”
Meaning
Make some progress or gain something from a current opportunity.
Tone & use
An informal shortened version from the source episode. It is less common than the full saying, so context helps.
Example
“The market is busy today; let’s make a little hay before the afternoon rush slows down.”
Describe gaining value from time, resources, or an opening.
Meaning
Use a situation or resource as well as possible.
Tone & use
A common, flexible alternative that is usually positive or neutral.
Example
“We had only one afternoon in the city, so we made the most of it by choosing two nearby museums.”
Meaning
Use a favorable chance to achieve something.
Tone & use
Usually positive when the object is a chance or condition. With a person, “take advantage of someone” means exploit them and sounds negative.
Example
“She took advantage of the free workshop to practice presenting her idea.”
Notice when taking advantage crosses into unfair treatment.
Meaning
Do something before another person has a chance to do it.
Tone & use
Informal and competitive. It may be harmless timing or unfairly claiming someone else’s work; context matters.
Example
“I planned to ask for a shared document, but my teammate beat me to the punch.”
Knowledge check
Choose the expression that best fits each situation.
Try it · Choose the best expression
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