make a pass at someone

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "make a pass at someone" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone attempting to flirt or show romantic interest in another person. Example: "During the party, he decided to make a pass at her, hoping she would be interested in him."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Perfectly normal men and women were risking prison by making a pass at someone.

The New York Times

One nods sardonically when Haffenden writes "He was very rarely sick when drunk, though on one occasion... " or, of someone called Geoff Hill (not the eminent poet Geoffrey Hill), "Empson would make a pass at him of a rather oldfashioned kind".

The Guardian - Books

Why didn't he ever make a pass at her?

The New York Times

Did Nico ever make a pass at him?

The Guardian - Music

Should I make a pass at her? Yes.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Her likeness was palpable enough that when Darryl Ohrt, Mash's global creative director, escorted the Beam back to its docking station after, someone made a pass at her.

The New York Times

"It tells the community that it's not a mitigating factor for extreme violence that someone made a pass at them, either real or imagined.

Vice

The faggot made a pass at me.

The New York Times - Books

She makes a pass at him and he kisses her.

The New Yorker

Donald Duck got drunk and made a pass at Nicole Kidman.

The New Yorker

At my first, the photographer made a pass at me.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing dialogue, use this phrase to indicate a character's flirtatious or forward behavior in a realistic and relatable way. It adds a layer of nuance that direct statements might lack.

Common error

Avoid using this phrase in formal or professional contexts, as it can sound inappropriate or unprofessional. Opt for more neutral language, like "expressed interest" or "made overtures."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make a pass at someone" functions as an idiomatic verb phrase. Ludwig AI confirms its use to describe initiating romantic or sexual advances towards another person. The phrase acts as a concise way to express intent or action in social interactions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the idiom "make a pass at someone" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe initiating romantic or sexual advances. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is most frequently found in news and media contexts, with a relatively informal register. When using the phrase, it's essential to consider the social setting to avoid miscommunication or inappropriateness. Alternatives such as "flirt with someone" or "hit on someone" can be considered depending on the context. Understanding the nuances and implications of this phrase ensures effective and appropriate communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

flirt with someone

Directly indicates playful romantic interaction; replaces the idiomatic nuance with straightforward action.

hit on someone

Suggests a more direct or overt approach to expressing romantic interest; maintains a similar level of informality.

come on to someone

Implies initiating romantic or sexual advances; maintains a casual and somewhat suggestive tone.

make advances toward someone

More formal and neutral way of indicating romantic interest; lacks the casual tone of the original phrase.

pursue someone romantically

Focuses on the sustained effort to develop a romantic relationship; less about a single interaction.

show romantic interest in someone

A general expression indicating feelings or actions related to romance; lacks the specific implication of initiating contact.

court someone

Suggests a more traditional or old-fashioned approach to romance; implies a period of acquaintance before deeper involvement.

woo someone

Similar to 'court' but emphasizes charm and persuasion; less commonly used in contemporary contexts.

chat up someone

British English term for initiating a casual conversation with romantic intent; contextually limited.

try to seduce someone

Implies a deliberate attempt to entice someone into a sexual relationship; stronger and more suggestive.

FAQs

What does it mean to "make a pass at someone"?

To "make a pass at someone" means to show romantic or sexual interest in them, often through flirtatious actions or words.

What are some alternatives to "make a pass at someone"?

You can use alternatives like "flirt with someone", "hit on someone", or "come on to someone", depending on the specific context.

Is "make a pass at someone" appropriate in all situations?

No, "make a pass at someone" is generally informal and should be avoided in professional or formal settings where it could be considered inappropriate.

How can I use "make a pass at someone" in a sentence?

You can use it like this: "He decided to make a pass at her during the party," indicating he attempted to flirt or show romantic interest.