Make a pass at Meaning in English
expression
ˈmeɪk/ /ˈeɪ/, /ə/ /ˈpæs/ /ˈæt
MAYK-uh-PASS-at
mˈeɪk/ /æɪ/ /pˈɑːs/ /ˈæt
MAYK-uh-PAHSS-at
Definition
To try to show someone you are romantically or sexually interested in them, often in a bold or obvious way.
Usage & Nuances
Usually informal and sometimes considered old-fashioned. Suggests direct or bold flirting. Can be used with 'someone' (e.g., 'He made a pass at her'). Often implies an unwanted or overly forward advance.
Spanish: insinuarse a - tirarle la onda aPortuguese (BR): dar em cima de - paquerarPortuguese (PT): dar em cima de - fazer uma investida emChinese (Simplified): 调戏 - 挑逗Chinese (Traditional): 調戲 - 挑逗Hindi: रिझाने की कोशिश करनाArabic: يغازل - يحاول التقرب (عاطفياً)Bengali: প্রস্তাব দেওয়া - আগ্রহ দেখানো (রোমান্টিকভাবে)Russian: приставать - делать попытку ухаживанияJapanese: 言い寄る - 口説くVietnamese: gạ gẫm - tán tỉnh một cách táo bạoKorean: 수작을 걸다 - 작업을 걸다Turkish: asılmak - kur yapmak (açıkça/cesurca)Urdu: چکر چلانا - کسی کو پھانسنے کی کوشش کرناIndonesian: merayu - menggoda secara terang-terangan
Example Sentences
He tried to make a pass at his coworker at the party.
basic
Jane got upset when her friend's boyfriend made a pass at her.
basic
It's uncomfortable if someone you don't like makes a pass at you.
basic
Did you see Tom make a pass at the bartender last night?
natural
She was annoyed because her friend's brother kept making passes at her all evening.
natural
If your boss makes a pass at you, it's OK to say no firmly.
natural