Put the moves on Meaning in English
expression
ˈpʊt/ /ˈðə/, /ðə/, /ði/ /ˈmuvz/ /ˈɑn/, /ˈɔn
PUT thuh MOOVZ awn
pʊt/ /ðə, ði/ /mˈuːvz/ /ˈɒn
put thuh MOOVZ on
Definition
To try to flirt with someone or show romantic or sexual interest, usually in a noticeable or direct way.
Usage & Nuances
Informal, sometimes slightly humorous or cheeky. Used when someone tries to flirt in a way that's not extremely subtle. Common with 'on' (put the moves on someone). Not appropriate in formal situations.
Spanish: tirarle la onda - intentar ligar - insinuarsePortuguese (BR): dar em cima - tentar seduzirPortuguese (PT): dar em cima - tentar seduzirChinese (Simplified): 搭讪 - 挑逗Chinese (Traditional): 搭訕 - 挑逗Hindi: इशारे करना - रिझानाArabic: حاول إغوائها - تقدم لها (بغرض الإعجاب)Bengali: প্রেম নিবেদন করা - ফ্লার্ট করাRussian: клеиться - флиртоватьJapanese: 口説きをかける - アプローチするVietnamese: tán tỉnh - ve vãnKorean: 작업을 걸다 - 대시하다Turkish: yürümek - asılmakUrdu: لائن مارنا - چھیڑنا (رومانوی طور پر)Indonesian: merayu - menggoda
Example Sentences
He tried to put the moves on her at the party.
basic
She didn't like it when Mark put the moves on her.
basic
Did you see John put the moves on his coworker?
basic
Every time Tom gets a little tipsy, he starts to put the moves on someone.
natural
She told her friends that a stranger tried to put the moves on her in the café.
natural
Don't be surprised if Jake tries to put the moves on you—he's pretty forward.
natural