seize the opportunity

Meaning

1. 1phrasefixed phrase

   To take advantage quickly and decisively of a chance to do something useful or good.

   Grammar: Often followed by to plus a verb: seize the opportunity to travel.

   Patterns

   • seize the opportunity to do something
   • seize the opportunity of something

   When the job offer came, she seized the opportunity to move abroad.

   You should seize the opportunity to meet the author.

   He seized the opportunity to apologize before the meeting began.

Word forms

Common combinations

seize the opportunity to learn

Seize the opportunity to learn from experts.

quickly seize the opportunity

They quickly seized the opportunity to expand.

seize the opportunity while you can

Seize the opportunity while you can, because it may not come again.

fail to seize the opportunity

The team failed to seize the opportunity to score.

seize the opportunity with both hands

She seized the opportunity with both hands.

Synonyms and how they differ

take advantage of

Take advantage of is neutral, but can also suggest using someone unfairly, whereas seize the opportunity is positive.

jump at the chance

Jump at the chance is more informal and stresses eagerness rather than careful action.

capitalize on

Capitalize on is more formal and common in business contexts, focusing on profit or benefit.

grasp the opportunity

Grasp the opportunity is nearly identical but slightly less forceful and less common.

Opposites

Word family

seize verb

to grab or take hold of firmly

seizure noun

the act of taking by force, or a sudden medical attack

opportunity noun

a chance to do something

opportunistic adjective

taking advantage of chances, often selfishly

Commonly confused: seize the opportunity or seize the day?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “seize the opportunity”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

Explore more words