Make a move Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈmeɪk/ /ˈeɪ/, /ə/ /ˈmuv

MAYK-uh-MOOV

UK

mˈeɪk/ /æɪ/ /mˈuːv

MAYK-uh-MOOV

Definition

To take an action, often after waiting or considering; can also mean to make a romantic or strategic advance.

Usage & Nuances

Informal and common in everyday speech. Used for both literal ('make a move in chess') and figurative sense ('make a move on someone' = show romantic interest). Also means taking initiative ('It's time to make a move'). Watch for context to understand the exact intention.

• Spanish: hacer un movimiento - tomar una iniciativa
• Portuguese (BR): fazer um movimento - tomar uma iniciativa
• Portuguese (PT): fazer um movimento - tomar uma iniciativa
• Chinese (Simplified): 采取行动 - 主动出击
• Chinese (Traditional): 採取行動 - 主動出擊
• Hindi: कुछ कदम उठाना - पहल करना
• Arabic: اتخاذ خطوة - المبادرة
• Bengali: কথা বলা - পদক্ষেপ নেওয়া - আগ্রহ প্রকাশ করা (রোমান্টিকভাবে)
• Russian: сделать ход - принять меры - проявить инициативу
• Japanese: 行動を起こす - 一手を打つ - アプローチする（恋愛で）
• Vietnamese: hành động - đưa ra nước đi - tỏ tình (nghĩa lãng mạn)
• Korean: 행동하다 - 수를 두다 - 고백하다 (연애상황에서)
• Turkish: hamle yapmak - harekete geçmek - açılım yapmak (romantik anlamda)
• Urdu: قدم اٹھانا - کارروائی کرنا - پیش قدمی کرنا (رومانوی انداز میں)
• Indonesian: melangkah - mengambil tindakan - mengungkapkan perasaan (secara romantis)

Example Sentences

It's your turn to make a move in the game.

basic

He decided to make a move and apply for the job.

basic

If you like her, you should make a move.

basic

I waited for weeks but she never made a move.

natural

Let me know when you're ready to make a move.

natural

We can't just sit here forever—we need to make a move soon.

natural