Independent prototype. Not a Government of Canada service, not affiliated with it, and not official advice. Always verify anything that matters at the source. How this works

GC Simplified
General

Leverage

To use something that already exists.

Plain English

Use.

If you’re new here

It almost always just means 'use'. If you replace it with 'use', the sentence still works.

What they probably mean

“Use, but it sounded more strategic this way.”

Interpretation offered as humour, not authoritative guidance.

Seen in the wild

“We should leverage the existing contract.”

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En français

Utiliser.

Bureaucracy level

Moderate · 3/5

How much government-speak this phrase carries. Playful indicator, not a judgement of anyone using it.

Related terms

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Important

GC Simplified is an independent tool, not affiliated with or endorsed by the Government of Canada, and it does not provide official advice. Plain language is an interpretation, and interpretations can be wrong. Always verify against the source and your organization’s own guidance before acting.