make a play for something
make a play for (someone or something)
1. To attempt to attract someone romantically. I know she's way out of my league, but I'm going to make a play for Stacy.
2. To attempt to attain something, often through some kind of plan or scheme. We need a quarterback, so we're going to make a play for Jones in the offseason. Most start-ups are formed in the hope that some huge corporation will make a play for them before they get too big.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2015 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
make a play for something
If someone makes a play for something that they want, they try to get it. Analysts say the company could soon be making a play for properties around the world. The finance minister dismissed accusations that he was making a play for power.
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed. © HarperCollins Publishers 2012
make a ˈplay for somebody/something
(especially American English) make a well-planned attempt to get something you want: He was making a play for a top government position. ♢ If you want to make a play for her, send her flowers.Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017