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attract

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like attracts like

People tend to seek out or be attracted to those that are similar or like-minded. I guess I shouldn't be surprised that John wants to find other Americans to hang out with. Like attracts like, after all. I know that like attracts like, but you should try associating with people with some more diverse perspectives on life.

See also: attract, like

opposites attract

Unlike people tend to be drawn to each other. A: "I have no idea why Ben and Julia are together when they have such different interests." B: "Well, opposites attract, right?" I know firsthand that opposites attract because my wife and I are very different people and have a very happy marriage!

See also: attract, opposite

you attract more flies with honey than vinegar

You are more apt to get the results you want when you use kindness, rather than anger or aggression. I think the kids would visit you more if you were nicer to them. You attract more flies with honey than vinegar, you know. A: "The board rejected my proposal!" B: "Well, maybe if you didn't scream at them every time something went wrong, they would be more eager to work with you. After all, you attract more flies with honey than vinegar."

See also: attract, flies, honey, more, vinegar

attract to

To entice and thus draw toward. A noun can be used between "attract" and "to." Watch out, bees are attracted to those flowers! A nice business card can attract a lot of new clients to your company. My sister has always been attracted to fashion.

See also: attract

attract (someone or something) to (someone or something else)

to draw or pull someone or something to someone or something else. The poster attracted a large number of people to the concert. The shouting attracted a lot of attention from the people who were nearby.

See also: attract

attract to

v.

1. To exert a force or influence on something that tends to draw it toward something else: Bright colors attract insects to flowers. Many different kinds of metal are attracted to magnets.

2. To arouse in someone or something an interest or desire for something else: I've always been attracted to movies from the 1960s.

See also: attract