make a pass at

make a pass at — idiom

1. to speak or act so that someone understands you want a romance or a sexual partn

1.慣用語B2
釋義

to speak or act so that someone understands you want a romance or a sexual partnership to begin between you and that person

例句

Too shy to make a pass at the barista, Mauricio smiled and bought his coffee.

make a pass at + a person (stranger or acquaintance)

During the party, a coworker made a pass at Ishaan by touching his arm.

同義詞
  • hit on

    equally informal; 'hit on' is more direct and often implies persistence

  • flirt with

    less direct than 'make a pass at'; flirting can be playful without clear romantic intent

  • chat up

    British informal; focuses on talking rather than physical gestures

用法筆記

Common in informal conversation. Often describes an unwelcome or awkward advance, but can also be neutral or playful depending on context.

常見錯誤

❌He made a pass on her at the bar.
✅He made a pass at her at the bar.
💡the correct preposition is at, not on.