How to Use Idiom 'To Advantage' in Sentences

The phrase "to advantage" means to use something to one's benefit or to make something look better. It can be used in phrases such as "to advantage oneself," meaning to use something to one's own advantage, and "to advantage a situation," meaning to use something to make a situation better.

For example, if someone says, "I need to advantage this situation," they likely mean that they need to use something to make the situation better.

The phrase “to advantage” first appeared in the 1600s and is believed to have come from the French phrase “à l’avantage”, which means “for the advantage”.

The phrase was used in the 17th century to refer to any situation that benefited someone and made them look better, whether it was financial, social, or otherwise. 

Over time, the phrase became more commonly used to refer to specific situations. For example, in the 18th century, it was commonly used to refer to situations involving business negotiations or legal disputes.

Today, it is still used in the same way, but is also used in everyday circumstances to refer to any situation where something can be used to benefit or make something look better.

To better understand this phrase, take a look at these examples:

1. I used my knowledge of the industry to my advantage in the negotiation.
2. She had the upper hand in the dispute, but I was able to use the facts to my advantage.
3. I used my charisma and charm to my advantage when talking to the boss.
4. He was able to use his experience to his advantage in the courtroom.
5. They decided to use their political connections to their advantage.
6. He was able to use the situation to his advantage and win the argument.
7. She used her knowledge of the law to her advantage during the trial.
8. The team used their home field advantage to their benefit.
9. He leveraged his unique talents to his advantage in the meeting. 
10. She used her persuasive skills to her advantage in the debate.

When using the phrase “to advantage”, it is important to avoid using it in a way that implies taking advantage of someone else.

The phrase should only be used to refer to situations where something is used to benefit oneself or make a situation better, not to manipulate or exploit someone else.

Additionally, when using the phrase, it is important to stay within the bounds of ethical behavior. Using the phrase to manipulate, exploit, or intimidate someone else is not only unethical, but also could be illegal in some cases.