make a pass at
make a pass at (one)
To make sexual advances toward or propositions to one; to hit on one. Do you think she was making a pass at me, or was she just being nice? I'm tired of complete strangers making a pass at me when I go out.
See also: make, pass
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
make a pass at someone
to flirt with or suggest sexual activity with someone. Can you believe it? Larry made a pass at me! No one ever makes a pass at me.
See also: make, pass
make a pass at something
to fly over or close by something. The plane made a pass at the landing field and pulled up at the last minute. The bird made a pass at me because I got too close to its nest.
See also: make, pass
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
make a pass at
1. Flirt or make advances to someone, especially of a sexual nature, as in "Men seldom make passes at girls who wear glasses" (Dorothy Parker, Not So Deep As A Well, 1936). [1920s]
2. Also, take a pass at. Make an attempt, as in I've made a pass at opening it but had no luck, or Jake, will you take a pass at changing the oil? This usage employs pass in the sense of a "jab" or "poke." [Colloquial; 1900s] Also see make a stab at.
See also: make, pass
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
make a pass at
make an amorous or sexual advance to.See also: make, pass
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
- appear to
- a shoulder to cry on
- a tough cookie
- a tough customer/cookie
- a voice in the wilderness
- (lone) voice in the wilderness
- a change of heart
- a mystery to (one)
- a hidden agenda
- be (on) the wrong side of (an age)