make advances
To approach someone in a flirtatious, amorous, or sexual manner; to try or begin to seduce someone. Terry was fired after he began making advances at his secretary. I really wish I could go out to a bar or a club without a half dozen men making advances.
make advances to (one)
To approach one in a flirtatious, amorous, or sexual manner; to try or begin to seduce one. Terry was fired after he began making advances to his secretary. I really wish I could go out to a bar or a club without a half dozen men making advances to me.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
make advances to someone
and make advances at someoneto flirt with someone; to begin to seduce someone. She began making advances to me, and I left the room. Mary made advances at every male she encountered.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
make advances
1. Attempt to make someone's acquaintance or make overtures, as in The ambassador knew that the ministers would soon make advances to him. [Late 1600s]
2. Approach amorously or sexually, as in
His wife accused him of making advances to the nanny. [c. 1700] Also see
make a pass at.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.