to take advantage (e.g. of a weak situation), to size up (e.g. customer when setting a high price), from palanquin bearers gauging how weary a traveler's feet are, and raising the price accordingly
◆ to take advantage (e.g. of a weak situation), to size up (e.g. customer when setting a high price), from palanquin bearers gauging how weary a traveler's feet are, and raising the price accordingly