make the first move

make the first move

To initiate an interaction or sequence of events before another person. The two stood facing each other silently, sizing each other up, waiting for the other to make the first move. I'm willing to make amends, but she has to be the one to make the first move.
See also: first, make, move
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

make the first ˈmove

do something before somebody else, for example in order to end an argument or to begin something: If he wants to see me, he should make the first move.
See also: first, make, move
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • one at a time
  • face time
  • one by one
  • one thing or person after another
  • one after another
  • one after another/the other
  • strike up
  • strike up a friendship
  • put (one's) trousers on one leg at a time (just like everybody else)
  • get in touch with somebody/something
References in periodicals archive
According to the report, when asked if Islamabad wants a solution, why does it not make the first move, Mukhtar responded that India was a big country, and Pakistan expects that it would demonstrate magnanimity by making the first move.
Armies of India, Pakistan, egos 'biggest hurdle in resolving Siachen issue': Mukhtar
I also feel I'm always the one to make the first move when it comes to contacting people.
I'M TOO SCARED TO TELL STAFF I HAVE NO FRIENDS; dear coleen IRELAND'S MOST STRAIGHT-TALKING PROBLEM PAGE
Prep School pupil and Under 10 British Champion Imogen Turvey-Cross was invited on stage to make the first move for chess great and former Russian world champion Vladimir Kramnik.
Imogen's got all right moves for chess champ
Wait for him to make the first move and try not to get carried away.
I've a crush on my boss; Your Sex Doctor
Manchester comes third in a table of cities where women like to make the first move with 58%, followed by Leeds (51%), Glasgow (43%), Birmingham (39%), Nottingham (36%), Edinburgh (29%) and Bristol (19%).
Liverpool women know their minds
Manchester comes third in a table of cities where women like to make the first move with 58 per cent, followed by Leeds, Glasgow, Birmingham, Nottingham, Edinburgh and Bristol.
Women in north first in chat up stakes
But if something is going to happen then somebody is going to have to make the first move - and you're that somebody.
SEX DOCTOR: I'm too scared to make first move
Would it be OK to make the first move? And what would my parents think?
Dr Miriam: Smitten by those sexy eyes