[make] a move on {sb}
1
to try to begin a sexual or romantic relationship with a particular person
The idiom "make a move on someone" is believed to have originated in the 19th century. It is thought to be a reference to the idea of making a physical move on someone, such as by touching them or kissing them. The idiom has since come to mean to make an attempt to pursue someone romantically, either physically or verbally.
- John has been waiting for the right moment to make a move on Mary and ask her out for coffee.
- She decided to make a move on her colleague by inviting him to a social event after work.
- After a delightful evening, Mark gathered the courage to make a move on his date with a gentle goodnight kiss.
- Alex and Taylor have been friends for a while, but recently, Alex decided to make a move on Taylor and express deeper feelings.
- Haley wasn't sure if Jake was interested, so she decided to make a move on him by asking if he'd like to go to a movie together.