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make a pass at

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make a pass at someone

to flirt with or suggest sexual activity with someone. Can you believe it? Larry made a pass at me! No one ever makes a pass at me.

See also: make, pass

make a pass at something

to fly over or close by something. The plane made a pass at the landing field and pulled up at the last minute. The bird made a pass at me because I got too close to its nest.

See also: make, pass

make a pass at somebody

to act toward someone in a way that shows a sexual interest in them It seems as if those boys can't think of much more than fast cars and making passes at girls.

See also: make, pass

make a pass at somebody

to speak to or touch someone in a way that shows you would like to start a sexual relationship with them He made a pass at her at Simon's party.

See also: make, pass

make a pass at

1. Flirt or make advances to someone, especially of a sexual nature, as in "Men seldom make passes at girls who wear glasses" (Dorothy Parker, Not So Deep As A Well, 1936). [1920s]

2. Also, take a pass at. Make an attempt, as in I've made a pass at opening it but had no luck, or Jake, will you take a pass at changing the oil? This usage employs pass in the sense of a "jab" or "poke." [Colloquial; 1900s] Also see make a stab at.

See also: make, pass