on the make
1. Increasing or advancing towards great financial or social success. I hear John's company is really on the make these days! They're really up-and-coming in the real estate market.
2. Seeking wealth, success, or an improved social status, often ruthlessly or in a self-serving manner. Ever since graduation, Thomas has been on the make, using anyone he knows or can exploit to further his career.
3. Seeking sexual partners or activity; making sexual advances or propositions. John turns into a real slimeball when he gets drunk and is out on the make.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
on the make
1. building or developing; being made. There is a company that is on the make. That was a very good sales strategy, John. You're a real-estate agent on the make.
2. making sexual advances; seeking sexual activities. It seems like Bill is always on the make. He should meet Sally, who is also on the make.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
on the make
1. Seeking personal gain, as in Tom's a young man on the make-he doesn't care whom he offends. [Slang; second half of 1800s]
2. Looking for sexual conquest, as in After several affairs, Peter got the reputation of being a man on the make. [Slang; c. 1920]
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.
on the make
1 intent on gain, typically in a rather unscrupulous way. 2 looking for a sexual partner. informalFarlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017
on the ˈmake
(informal, disapproving)
1 trying openly to become successful, rich, etc: Jack was a young man on the make. Not so much for fame, but for money.
2 trying to find a sexual partner: He thought I was on the make so came over and asked me to dance.Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017
on the make
mod. ambitious; attempting to be great. That young lawyer is sure on the make.
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions Copyright © 2006 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.
on the make
Slang 1. Aggressively striving for financial or social improvement: a young executive on the make.
2. Eagerly seeking a sexual partner.
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.