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 .

Example Sentences

Make a pass at this week’s Slate News Quiz.

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“We told them that nobody would make a pass at them,” Oliver said.

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If this woman wanted to make a pass at you, though, wouldn’t she do it in the privacy of your one-on-one chats, rather than at a distance, in front of other parents and possibly your spouses?

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The internet did what the internet does after San Francisco 49ers’ quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo appeared to make a pass at veteran sideline reporter Erin Andrews following Thursday night’s game.

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Several colleagues who worked with him for years said that they were genuinely surprised by the accusations — saying that they had seen him as a someone who might flirt or make a pass at women, but not harass them.

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Related Words

• attack 
• seek 
• struggle 
• work