[make] the first move
1
to make it clear that one is interested in having a romantic or sexual relationship with someone
The idiom "make the first move" is believed to have originated in the 19th century. It is thought to be a reference to the idea of making the first move in a game of chess, which is to move one's own piece before the opponent. In the context of romance, the idiom means to take the initiative and make it clear that one is interested in someone.
- He was too shy to make the first move at the networking event.
- She decided to make the first move and apologize after their argument.
- If you want to resolve the issue, you should make the first move.
- She felt nervous but knew she needed to make the first move.
- She felt nervous but knew she needed to make the first move.