take a fancy to
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Related to take a liking to: for the most part, come off, in turn, along with, in line with, inclined to, originate from
take a fancy to (someone or something)
To have or develop a fondness for or inclination toward something or someone; to be attracted to or desire someone or something. I think Jennifer has taken a fancy to my friend Tommy, so I'm going to try to set them up on a date! I never used to like raisins as a kid, but I've taken a fancy to them as I've grown older.
take a fancy to someone or something
and take a liking to someone or something; take a shine to someone or somethingto develop a fondness or a preference for someone or something. John began to take a fancy to Sally late last August at the picnic. I've never taken a liking to cooked carrots. I think my teacher has taken a shine to me.
take a fancy to
Also, take a liking or shine to . Be attracted to someone or something, as in They took a fancy to spicy foods after their Mexican vacation, or I'm hoping he'll take a liking to the water, now that we have a cottage on a lake, or We think Bill's taken a shine to Betsy. The first term was first recorded in 1541, the first variant in 1570, and the last, a colloquialism, in 1850.