Leverage means using something you have to achieve a better result or gain an advantage. The term is commonly used in business, finance, and everyday conversations to describe using resources, influence, or opportunities effectively. Leverage meaning refers to the ability to maximize the impact of an asset, skill, or situation.
The confusion comes from the fact that leverage definition changes slightly depending on how it is used. In one situation, it may describe using an advantage to create a bigger impact, while in another, it can refer to borrowing money to increase potential financial returns.
But here’s the kicker: understanding this word can help you communicate more clearly and understand conversations in professional, financial, and personal settings.
In this guide, you’ll learn the complete Leverage Meaning, explore its definition, pronunciation, synonyms, and examples, and discover how to use leverage in a sentence correctly. You’ll also understand leverage meaning in business, leverage meaning in finance, and how this powerful word is used in everyday life.
By the end, you’ll know exactly what leverage means and how to use it confidently in different situations.
What Does Leverage Mean?
The meaning of leverage depends on the situation, but the central idea remains the same: using one thing to increase the effectiveness or impact of another.
As a noun, leverage refers to an advantage, influence, or mechanical force that helps you achieve a goal more easily.
As a verb, leverage means to use something strategically to gain a better outcome.
Simple Definition
Leverage (noun): The power or advantage that helps achieve a desired result.
Leverage (verb): To use resources, skills, relationships, money, or opportunities effectively to gain an advantage.
For example:
- A manager might leverage years of experience to lead a project.
- A startup may leverage social media instead of spending millions on advertising.
- An investor can use financial leverage by borrowing money to purchase assets.
- A mechanic uses a crowbar to gain mechanical leverage when lifting a heavy object.
Although these examples belong to different fields, they all share one common principle: getting more value or force from something you already have.
Quick Meaning at a Glance
| Word | Meaning |
| Leverage (noun) | An advantage, influence, or force that helps achieve a goal. |
| Leverage (verb) | To use something effectively for a better outcome. |
| General idea | Making existing resources work harder or smarter. |
| Common fields | Business, finance, marketing, engineering, and everyday English. |
Why Is the Word “Leverage” So Popular?
Over the last few decades, leverage has become one of the most common words in professional communication.
You’ll hear it in:
- Business meetings
- Job interviews
- Marketing strategies
- Financial discussions
- Leadership training
- Sales presentations
- Startup pitches
- Corporate emails
Instead of saying:
“We used customer feedback.”
People often say:
“We leveraged customer feedback.”
The second sentence suggests that the feedback wasn’t merely collected—it was used strategically to improve results.
That’s the subtle difference that makes the word so useful.
Leverage Pronunciation
Many English learners mispronounce leverage, mainly because British and American English pronounce it slightly differently.
| Accent | Pronunciation | Phonetic |
| American English | LEV-er-ij | /ˈlevərɪdʒ/ |
| British English | LEE-ver-ij or LEV-er-ij | /ˈliːvərɪdʒ/ or /ˈlevərɪdʒ/ |
Easy Pronunciation Tip
Break the word into three parts:
LEV + er + ij
Say it smoothly:
LEV-er-ij
Where Does the Word Leverage Come From?
Understanding the origin of a word often makes its meaning easier to remember.
The word leverage comes from the noun lever, a simple machine used to lift or move heavy objects with less effort.
Imagine trying to lift a large rock using only your hands. It would be difficult.
Now place a sturdy bar beneath the rock and rest it on a support point. Suddenly, lifting the rock becomes much easier.
That extra lifting power is called leverage.
Over time, English speakers borrowed this physical idea and applied it to many other situations.
Today, leverage doesn’t just describe mechanical force. It also refers to:
- Using money to increase investment returns
- Using skills to earn better opportunities
- Using relationships to solve problems
- Using technology to improve productivity
- Using information to make smarter decisions
The underlying concept has never changed:
A small input creates a larger result.
Leverage Meaning in Different Contexts
One reason people become confused about leverage meaning is that the word changes slightly depending on the field.
The good news?
The core idea always stays the same.
You use something available to produce a greater effect.
Let’s explore the most common meanings.
Leverage Meaning in Everyday English
Outside technical fields, leverage simply means using an advantage wisely.
That advantage could be:
- Knowledge
- Experience
- Time
- Relationships
- Reputation
- Communication skills
- Technology
- Creativity
Everyday Examples
Instead of saying:
I used my experience.
You might say:
I leveraged my experience to earn a promotion.
Instead of:
She used her contacts.
Say:
She leveraged her professional network to find a new job.
Both sentences are correct.
However, leverage emphasizes that the resource created additional value.
Everyday Examples in Context
| Sentence | Meaning |
| He leveraged his language skills to work abroad. | Used a valuable skill. |
| We leveraged online tools to finish faster. | Used technology efficiently. |
| She leveraged years of experience during negotiations. | Used expertise as an advantage. |
| The teacher leveraged classroom games to improve learning. | Used an effective teaching method. |
What Counts as Leverage in Daily Life?
Many people use leverage without realizing it.
Examples include:
- Asking an experienced friend for career advice.
- Using free online courses to learn new skills.
- Networking on LinkedIn.
- Reusing successful project templates.
- Automating repetitive tasks.
- Learning from previous mistakes.
These actions increase your effectiveness without requiring significantly more effort.
That’s leverage in action.
Leverage Meaning in Business
In business, leverage means using available resources, assets, or strengths to improve performance, increase profits, or gain a competitive advantage.
Businesses constantly look for ways to achieve more without dramatically increasing costs.
Instead of hiring hundreds of employees, a company might:
- Automate repetitive work.
- Improve workflows.
- Use artificial intelligence.
- Expand through partnerships.
- Strengthen customer loyalty.
Each strategy represents a form of leverage.
Common Business Resources Companies Leverage
| Resource | How Businesses Leverage It |
| Customer data | Improve products and marketing campaigns. |
| Technology | Increase productivity and reduce manual work. |
| Brand reputation | Build customer trust and attract new buyers. |
| Employee expertise | Encourage innovation and better decision-making. |
| Partnerships | Reach new markets faster. |
| Social media | Grow brand awareness at a lower cost. |
Real-World Business Example
Imagine two clothing stores.
Store A
- Pays for expensive advertising.
- Gains 100 new customers.
Store B
Instead of spending more money, Store B:
- Encourages customers to leave reviews.
- Creates referral rewards.
- Shares customer photos on social media.
- Builds an email newsletter.
Soon, existing customers begin attracting new customers naturally.
Store B has leveraged customer relationships instead of relying only on advertising.
The result?
Lower marketing costs and stronger long-term growth.
Common Business Phrases
You’ll often hear expressions like:
- Leverage technology
- Leverage customer insights
- Leverage market opportunities
- Leverage competitive advantages
- Leverage internal resources
- Leverage strategic partnerships
- Leverage operational efficiency
These phrases all mean using existing strengths to create better outcomes.
Leverage Meaning in Finance
In finance, leverage has a much more specific meaning.
It refers to borrowing money to increase the potential return on an investment.
The idea sounds simple.
Instead of investing only your own money, you borrow additional funds so you can invest a larger amount.
If the investment performs well, your profits increase.
If it performs poorly, your losses also become larger.
That’s why financial leverage increases both potential rewards and potential risks.
Simple Financial Example
Imagine you have:
$20,000
You want to purchase a property worth:
$100,000
Instead of paying the full amount yourself, you borrow:
$80,000
Now you control a much larger investment.
If the property’s value rises by 10%, the gain applies to the entire property—not just the money you invested.
This is financial leverage.
Why Investors Use Financial Leverage
Investors may use leverage to:
- Increase potential returns.
- Purchase larger assets.
- Expand businesses.
- Improve capital efficiency.
- Finance real estate purchases.
However, leverage isn’t free.
Borrowing usually involves:
- Interest payments
- Loan fees
- Repayment obligations
- Greater financial risk
Advantages and Risks of Financial Leverage
| Advantages | Risks |
| Higher potential returns | Larger losses |
| More purchasing power | Interest costs |
| Faster business expansion | Increased debt |
| Better capital efficiency | Higher financial risk |
| Ability to acquire larger assets | Cash flow pressure |
Real-Life Example
Buying a home with a mortgage is one of the most familiar examples of financial leverage.
Instead of saving hundreds of thousands of dollars before buying a house, many buyers make a down payment and borrow the remaining amount.
If the property’s value increases over time, the owner’s return may exceed what they could have achieved using only their own cash.
At the same time, borrowers remain responsible for repaying the loan, even if property prices fall. That balance between opportunity and risk is what makes financial leverage such a powerful—but carefully managed—tool.
Leverage Meaning in Physics
Before leverage became a business or finance term, it described a principle in physics.
In mechanics, leverage is the mechanical advantage gained by using a lever to move or lift an object with less effort.
A lever is one of the six classical simple machines. It consists of:
- A rigid bar
- A pivot point called the fulcrum
- An applied force
- A load or object being moved
By changing the position of the fulcrum or the length of the lever, you can multiply the force you apply.
This allows you to lift or move objects that would otherwise require much more effort.
Common everyday examples include:
- Crowbars
- Seesaws
- Bottle openers
- Wheelbarrows
- Hammer claws used to pull nails
Is Leverage a Noun or a Verb?
One reason the word leverage confuses many English learners is that it functions as both a noun and a verb. The meaning changes slightly depending on how you use it, yet the core idea remains the same: gaining an advantage by using something effectively.
Understanding this distinction will help you write and speak more naturally.
Leverage as a Noun
As a noun, leverage refers to an advantage, influence, bargaining power, or mechanical force.
Examples
- Her years of experience gave her leverage during salary negotiations.
- The company gained leverage after signing an exclusive contract.
- Strong customer loyalty provides significant leverage in a competitive market.
- The crowbar gives you enough leverage to lift the heavy object.
In each example, leverage is something you have, not something you do.
Leverage as a Verb
As a verb, leverage means to use something strategically to achieve a better result.
Examples
- We leveraged customer feedback to improve the product.
- She leveraged her communication skills to build stronger client relationships.
- The startup leveraged cloud technology to reduce operating costs.
- They leveraged industry connections to enter a new market.
Here, leverage describes an action.
Noun vs. Verb Comparison
| Part of Speech | Meaning | Example |
| Noun | An advantage, influence, or force | His experience gave him leverage. |
| Verb | To use something effectively | She leveraged her experience to get promoted. |
Quick Tip
Ask yourself this question:
- Can I replace it with “advantage”? → It’s probably a noun.
- Can I replace it with “use effectively”? → It’s probably a verb.
Examples of Leverage in Sentences
Seeing the word in context is the fastest way to understand how it works.
Everyday Examples
- You can leverage your hobbies to build a side business.
- She used her bilingual skills as leverage during the interview.
- We leveraged free software to save money.
- His reputation gave him considerable leverage in the negotiation.
Business Examples
- The company leveraged automation to increase productivity.
- Small businesses often leverage local partnerships to reach new customers.
- We leveraged customer reviews to improve trust.
- The marketing team leveraged social media trends to increase engagement.
Finance Examples
- Investors sometimes use financial leverage to purchase larger assets.
- Excessive leverage can increase investment risk.
- The business reduced its leverage after paying off debt.
- Banks closely monitor leverage ratios before approving loans.
Education Examples
- Students can leverage online courses to develop new skills.
- Teachers leverage visual aids to simplify complex topics.
- Schools leverage technology to support remote learning.
Workplace Examples
- She leveraged her project management experience to lead the team.
- Employees who leverage data often make better decisions.
- Managers leverage employee strengths instead of focusing only on weaknesses.
Sentence Examples Table
| Sentence | Meaning |
| We leveraged customer feedback to improve our service. | Used feedback strategically. |
| Experience gave her leverage during negotiations. | Provided an advantage. |
| The company leveraged AI to automate repetitive tasks. | Used technology effectively. |
| Investors used leverage to buy more shares. | Borrowed money for investing. |
| A crowbar provides leverage when lifting heavy objects. | Mechanical advantage. |
| He leveraged his network to find new clients. | Used professional relationships. |
| Good communication gives leaders leverage. | Provides influence. |
| She leveraged her design skills to launch a freelance business. | Used skills effectively. |
Common Synonyms of Leverage
Although leverage is a versatile word, it’s not always the best choice. Sometimes a simpler synonym sounds more natural.
The right alternative depends on your context.
Synonyms Table
| Synonym | Best Used For | Notes |
| Advantage | General English | Most common replacement. |
| Influence | Negotiations, leadership | Focuses on persuasion. |
| Power | Authority | Suggests control. |
| Edge | Competition | Highlights superiority. |
| Benefit | Everyday English | General positive outcome. |
| Resource | Business | Existing asset or capability. |
| Utilize | Formal writing | More formal than “use.” |
| Use | Everyday conversation | Simple and direct. |
| Capitalize on | Business and marketing | Means making the most of an opportunity. |
| Harness | Technology, innovation | Implies directing power effectively. |
When Should You Use Each Synonym?
Advantage
Use when discussing a favorable position.
Early planning gave the company an advantage.
Influence
Best when referring to persuasion or authority.
Her industry reputation gave her influence.
Capitalize On
Often used for opportunities.
The company capitalized on changing consumer trends.
Harness
Common in technology and science.
Businesses harness artificial intelligence to improve efficiency.
Use
Sometimes the simplest word is also the strongest.
Instead of:
We leveraged internal communication tools.
You can simply say:
We used internal communication tools.
However, if those tools created a meaningful advantage, leverage communicates that idea more clearly.
Common Antonyms of Leverage
The opposite of leverage depends on the context.
Generally, antonyms describe situations where someone lacks influence, resources, or an advantage.
| Antonym | Meaning |
| Disadvantage | An unfavorable position. |
| Weakness | A limitation that reduces effectiveness. |
| Limitation | A restriction on capability. |
| Inefficiency | Wasting resources or effort. |
| Powerlessness | Lack of influence or control. |
| Constraint | Something that prevents progress. |
How to Use “Leverage” Correctly
Because the word appears frequently in professional writing, using it naturally can improve your communication.
Here are the most common patterns.
Leverage + Skills
- Leverage your experience.
- Leverage your expertise.
- Leverage your creativity.
- Leverage your communication skills.
- Leverage your leadership abilities.
Leverage + Technology
- Leverage cloud computing.
- Leverage artificial intelligence.
- Leverage automation.
- Leverage data analytics.
- Leverage digital platforms.
Business Resources
- Leverage customer insights.
- Leverage market research.
- Leverage employee knowledge.
- Leverage existing infrastructure.
- Leverage strategic partnerships.
Opportunities
- Leverage growth opportunities.
- Leverage seasonal demand.
- Leverage industry trends.
- Leverage networking opportunities.
Common Collocations With Leverage
Native English speakers often pair leverage with certain words.
Learning these combinations makes your writing sound more natural.
| Common Phrase | Meaning |
| Leverage experience | Use past knowledge effectively. |
| Leverage technology | Use technology for better results. |
| Leverage data | Turn information into better decisions. |
| Leverage resources | Maximize available assets. |
| Leverage expertise | Apply specialized knowledge. |
| Leverage opportunities | Make the most of favorable situations. |
| Leverage relationships | Benefit from professional connections. |
| Leverage customer feedback | Improve products using customer opinions. |
| Leverage competitive advantages | Strengthen market position. |
| Leverage social media | Expand reach through online platforms. |
Common Mistakes People Make
Even fluent English speakers misuse leverage from time to time.
Here are the most common errors.
Using “Leverage” When “Use” Is Better
One of the biggest mistakes is replacing every instance of use with leverage.
Too Formal
We leveraged a pen to sign the document.
Better
We used a pen to sign the document.
A pen doesn’t create an advantage in this example. It’s simply being used.
Assuming Leverage Always Means Borrowing Money
Many people associate leverage only with finance.
While financial leverage is important, it’s just one meaning.
You can leverage:
- Skills
- Knowledge
- Experience
- Technology
- Networks
- Time
- Brand reputation
No borrowing is involved.
Overusing the Word in Business Writing
Business documents often repeat leverage several times in the same paragraph.
Instead, vary your vocabulary.
For example:
Instead of writing:
We leveraged our platform to leverage customer data and leverage our resources.
Write:
We used our platform to analyze customer data and maximize available resources.
The second version sounds clearer and more natural.
Confusing Leverage With Influence
Although the words overlap, they aren’t identical.
Influence means the ability to affect people.
Leverage means using an advantage to improve an outcome.
Someone may have influence.
They leverage that influence to negotiate a better agreement.
Leverage vs. Similar Words
Several English words seem similar to leverage, but each carries a different nuance.
Understanding these differences helps you choose the most accurate word.
Leverage vs. Use
| Leverage | Use |
| Implies strategic advantage. | General action. |
| Often used in business. | Works in every situation. |
| Suggests maximizing value. | Simply means employing something. |
Example
- We used customer feedback.
- We leveraged customer feedback to improve retention.
The second sentence explains why the feedback mattered.
Leverage vs. Utilize
These words often appear in formal writing.
However, utilize simply means to use, while leverage means to use strategically for greater benefit.
| Utilize | Leverage |
| Means to use. | Means to maximize value. |
| Neutral meaning. | Implies advantage. |
| Common in technical writing. | Common in business and leadership. |
Leverage vs. Exploit
These words require extra care.
Leverage usually has a positive or neutral meaning.
Exploit can be positive when referring to opportunities, but it often carries a negative sense, especially when describing unfair treatment.
Positive
- Leverage technology to improve efficiency.
Negative
- Exploit workers for higher profits.
That’s why leverage is usually the safer choice in professional communication.
Leverage vs. Advantage
These words are closely related, but they aren’t interchangeable.
| Leverage | Advantage |
| The action or ability to use something effectively. | The favorable position itself. |
| Can be a noun or verb. | Primarily a noun. |
| Focuses on creating better outcomes. | Focuses on possessing a benefit. |
Example
Experience is an advantage.
She leveraged that experience to earn a promotion.
The first sentence describes the asset.
The second describes how the asset was used.
Part 3:
When Should You Use the Word “Leverage”?
The word leverage works best when you’re talking about using something strategically to achieve a better outcome. It isn’t a replacement for the word use in every sentence. Instead, it emphasizes that a person, business, or organization is making the most of an existing advantage.
If using a resource creates extra value, improves efficiency, or strengthens your position, leverage is usually the right choice.
In Business
Business professionals often use leverage when discussing growth, productivity, marketing, or decision-making.
Examples
- We leveraged customer insights to improve our products.
- The company leveraged automation to reduce operating costs.
- Small businesses can leverage local partnerships to reach new audiences.
In the Workplace
Managers and employees frequently use the word when describing skills, experience, or resources.
Examples
- Leverage your communication skills during the presentation.
- She leveraged her leadership experience to guide the team through the transition.
- We leveraged internal expertise instead of hiring outside consultants.
In Marketing
Marketers use leverage to describe getting more value from campaigns, data, or customer relationships.
Examples
- Leverage user-generated content to build trust.
- Brands leverage social proof to increase conversions.
- Businesses leverage email marketing to improve customer retention.
In Finance
Financial professionals use leverage in a technical sense to describe borrowing money to increase investment potential.
Examples
- Investors should understand the risks before using leverage.
- High leverage can increase both profits and losses.
- Companies monitor leverage ratios to maintain financial stability.
In Everyday Conversations
Although leverage sounds professional, it also fits naturally into everyday English.
Examples
- You can leverage your hobbies to earn extra income.
- She leveraged her volunteer experience to land her first job.
- They leveraged online learning to develop new skills.
Case Studies: Leverage in Action
Understanding the concept becomes much easier when you see it applied in real situations.
Case Study: A Small Business Uses Social Media
A local coffee shop had a limited advertising budget. Instead of spending thousands of dollars on paid promotions, the owner encouraged customers to post photos on Instagram, respond to reviews, and share referral links with friends.
Within a few months:
- Website traffic increased.
- Customer referrals grew steadily.
- Marketing costs stayed low.
- Brand awareness expanded.
The business didn’t spend significantly more money. Instead, it leveraged customer relationships and social media to generate growth.
Lesson: Existing customers can become a powerful marketing resource when used strategically.
Case Study: An Employee Earns a Promotion
Maria wanted a management position but lacked direct leadership experience.
Instead of waiting for the perfect opportunity, she:
- Volunteered to lead team projects.
- Improved her presentation skills.
- Completed leadership training.
- Mentored new employees.
During her performance review, she highlighted these achievements and explained how they benefited the company.
A few months later, she received the promotion.
Maria leveraged her skills, initiative, and experience to advance her career.
Lesson: Leverage isn’t always about money. Often, your greatest asset is your knowledge and experience.
Case Study: Financial Leverage in Real Estate
David wanted to purchase a rental property worth $300,000.
Rather than paying the entire amount in cash, he made a 20% down payment and financed the remaining balance with a mortgage.
The rental income covered much of the monthly loan payment, and over time the property’s value increased.
David controlled a larger investment than he could have purchased using only his savings.
However, he also accepted additional risks, including interest costs and the possibility of declining property values.
Lesson: Financial leverage can increase potential returns, but it also increases financial risk.
Quick Comparison Table
| Context | Meaning of Leverage | Example |
| Everyday English | Using an advantage wisely | Leverage your experience to get a better job. |
| Business | Maximizing available resources | Leverage customer data to improve products. |
| Finance | Borrowing money to increase investment potential | Buying property with a mortgage. |
| Marketing | Using existing assets to expand reach | Leverage social media campaigns. |
| Physics | Mechanical advantage from a lever | Using a crowbar to lift a heavy object. |
Frequently Asked Questions About Leverage Meaning
What does leverage mean in simple words?
In simple terms, leverage means using something you already have to achieve a better result. That “something” could be money, experience, knowledge, technology, influence, or even a simple machine like a lever.
Is leverage a positive or negative word?
Most of the time, leverage has a positive or neutral meaning. It suggests using resources effectively or making the most of an opportunity.
However, in finance, high leverage can indicate increased financial risk because borrowed money amplifies both gains and losses.
Is leverage a noun or a verb?
Both.
As a noun, it refers to an advantage or influence.
Her experience gave her leverage.
As a verb, it means using something strategically.
She leveraged her experience to earn a promotion.
What is the difference between leverage and use?
The word use simply means employing something.
Leverage means using something strategically to create greater value or achieve a stronger outcome.
For example:
- We used customer feedback.
- We leveraged customer feedback to improve customer satisfaction.
The second sentence highlights the purpose and impact.
What does leverage mean in business?
In business, leverage means using existing resources efficiently to improve performance, reduce costs, increase revenue, or gain a competitive advantage.
Businesses commonly leverage:
- Technology
- Brand reputation
- Customer data
- Employee expertise
- Partnerships
- Market insights
What does leverage mean in finance?
In finance, leverage refers to borrowing money to increase the size of an investment.
While leverage can increase potential profits, it also increases exposure to losses and debt obligations.
What does leverage mean in physics?
In physics, leverage describes the mechanical advantage gained by using a lever.
A lever allows you to move or lift heavy objects by applying a smaller amount of force over a greater distance.
Examples include:
- Crowbars
- Bottle openers
- Seesaws
- Wheelbarrows
How do you pronounce leverage?
In American English, leverage is commonly pronounced:
LEV-er-ij
Phonetic spelling:
/ˈlevərɪdʒ/
Can leverage refer to people?
Yes.
People often use the word to describe influence or bargaining power.
For example:
Her industry reputation gave her leverage during contract negotiations.
In this sentence, leverage refers to the advantage created by her credibility and expertise.
Is leverage always related to borrowing money?
No.
Although financial leverage involves borrowing, the broader meaning of leverage applies to many situations where existing resources create better outcomes.
You can leverage:
- Skills
- Experience
- Relationships
- Knowledge
- Technology
- Time
- Data
- Creativity
No loans are required.
Key Takeaways
- Leverage means using an existing resource, advantage, or opportunity to achieve a better result.
- The word functions as both a noun and a verb.
- In everyday English, leverage refers to making smart use of skills, knowledge, relationships, or resources.
- In business, it means maximizing available assets to improve efficiency, growth, or profitability.
- In finance, leverage involves borrowing money to increase investment potential while also increasing financial risk.
- In physics, leverage describes the mechanical advantage created by a lever and a fulcrum.
- Unlike the simple word use, leverage emphasizes creating additional value or gaining a strategic advantage.
- Understanding the context helps you choose the correct meaning and use the word naturally in both professional and everyday communication.
Conclusion
The leverage meaning extends far beyond a single dictionary definition. While the word originally described the mechanical advantage of a lever, it has evolved into a versatile term used across business, finance, marketing, leadership, and everyday conversations.
Despite these different applications, the underlying concept never changes: leverage is about achieving more by making smarter use of what you already have. That could mean applying your experience to earn a promotion, using technology to streamline a business, building stronger customer relationships, or borrowing capital to expand an investment.
Knowing when to use leverage instead of simply saying use makes your communication more precise and professional. More importantly, understanding the idea behind the word encourages you to recognize the value of the resources already within your reach. In many cases, success doesn’t come from having more—it comes from leveraging what you already have.
