put the make on
English
editAlternative forms
editEtymology
editFrom make (“love interest, spouse, mate”).
Verb
editput the make on (third-person singular simple present puts the make on, present participle putting the make on, simple past and past participle put the make on)
- (informal, transitive) To pursue with romantic interest, especially in an aggressive, sexually suggestive manner.
- 1975, Lou Sullivan, personal diary, quoted in 2019, Ellis Martin, Zach Ozma (editors), We Both Laughed In Pleasure
- I met a lesbian friend of Liz's, Dawn, who promptly put the make on me & I figured it's about time I tried it.
- 1978, "High Steppin' to stardom (Film review of Saturday Night Fever)," Time, 3 Apr.,
- His girl—the one he has been trying unsuccessfully to put the make on—hears the longing and the edge of desperation in his voice and kisses him on the cheek.
- 1975, Lou Sullivan, personal diary, quoted in 2019, Ellis Martin, Zach Ozma (editors), We Both Laughed In Pleasure
Synonyms
editRelated terms
editTranslations
editpursue with romantic interest
|