at an advantage

at an advantage — idiom

1. to be in a situation where you have a greater chance of success or benefit than

1.idiomB2
Definition

to be in a situation where you have a greater chance of success or benefit than others because of your skills, resources, or circumstances

Example

Ada's sales experience put her at an advantage when applying for the manager position.

put + noun + at an advantage

The home team was at an advantage because they knew every corner of the field.

be at an advantage

Common collocations
  • be at an advantage
  • put someone at an advantage
  • place someone at an advantage
  • find oneself at an advantage
  • at an advantage over
Synonyms
Antonyms

Grammar Patterns

be + at an advantage

put/place + noun + at an advantage

find + oneself + at an advantage

Usage Note

Often followed by 'over' to specify who has less advantage: 'at an advantage over someone'. The direct opposite expression is 'at a disadvantage'.

Common Mistakes

He is in an advantage because of his degree.
He is at an advantage because of his degree.
the correct preposition is 'at', not 'in'.

Etymology

LatinFrenchEnglish

The word 'advantage' comes from Old French 'avantage', which itself came from Latin 'abante' meaning 'from before' — the idea of being ahead of others. The phrase 'at an advantage' follows the same structure as 'at a disadvantage' and has been in common use since the 1400s.