on the make

English

Adjective

on the make

1. (idiomatic) Actively seeking a romantic encounter or relationship.
   • 1973, T.E.K., "Savage Mating Dance," Time, 26 Nov.,

     Harry (Matthew Cowles) and Tim (Timothy Meyers) are an inseparable pair of macho punks always on the make for an easy sexual score.

2. (idiomatic, by extension) Actively seeking an opportunity for self-advancement; eager to ingratiate oneself to others in order to secure some advantage.
   • 1920, Upton Sinclair, 100%: The Story of a Patriot, ch. 1,

     In a city where everybody was "hustling," everybody, as they phrased it, "on the make," why should anyone take a second glance at Peter Gudge?

Related terms

• put the make on