Grammar › N1 · 14 Set expressions and idioms

〜をいいことに: taking advantage of

N1 · 14 Set expressions and idioms

Says someone takes advantage of a favorable situation, usually in a bad way.

Noun/plain form + をいいことに + action: 親がいないのをいいことに. Spoken and written. Critical tone. The favorable condition is stated first. Compare 〜に乗じて, more formal.

Examples

彼かれは、親おやが留守るすなのをいいことに、一日中いちにちじゅうゲームをしていた。

Taking advantage of his parents being away, he played video games all day.

上司じょうしの優やさしさをいいことに、彼女かのじょは仕事しごとをサボっている。

Taking advantage of her boss's kindness, she slacks off at work.

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