make a move: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘make a move’ mean?
The idiom make a move means to take action or make a decision regarding a particular situation or task.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "take the initiative" means to be proactive and make the first move or take action without being prompted or instructed.
The idiom "put the moves on" means to make romantic or sexual advances towards someone.
An idiom meaning to be in a difficult or challenging situation that needs to be resolved or fixed. It implies being in a state of trouble or inconvenience.
The idiom "open the door" means to give someone an opportunity or a chance.
The idiom "on with you" means to continue or proceed with something. It is often used to encourage someone to move forward or make progress in a situation or task.
The idiom "on the go" means to be busy or occupied with various activities or tasks, without much time for rest or relaxation.
The idiom "one step at a time" means to proceed or approach a task slowly and methodically, focusing on each individual stage or action before moving on to the next.
The idiom "now or never" means that something must be done immediately or it will never be possible to do it. It emphasizes the urgency of taking action without delay.
The idiom "make a scene" means to create a loud or disruptive situation in public, often drawing attention and causing embarrassment or discomfort.
The idiom "make a run for it" means to quickly and urgently attempt to escape from a situation or location.
Untangling the Implications of 'Make a Move'
The idiom "make a move" is a commonly used phrase in both informal and formal contexts. It has various meanings depending on the context in which it is used, but the basic idea remains the same. The idiom means to take action or make a decision in a specific situation or circumstance.
One of the most common meanings of "make a move" is to take action or initiative in a romantic or dating context. In this sense, it refers to expressing interest or making a gesture towards starting a romantic relationship. It can involve asking someone out on a date, making a physical move, or expressing romantic feelings. This is similar to the idioms "get moving" and "get a move on," which also emphasize taking action or making a move to progress or advance in a situation.
Another meaning of "make a move" is to make a decision or take action in a strategic or competitive situation. This can apply to various scenarios such as business negotiations, sports games, or even personal challenges. In this context, "make a move" implies making a calculated decision or taking a strategic step towards achieving a goal or gaining an advantage. This is akin to the idiom "take the initiative," as it involves taking charge and being proactive.
The idiom "make a move" can also be used to indicate taking action or making a proactive decision in any situation. It emphasizes the importance of not remaining passive or stagnant, but actively doing something to bring about a desired outcome. It can be applied to various aspects of life, including career choices, personal growth, and problem-solving. This is similar to the expression "put the moves on," which suggests making a bold or assertive move to progress or succeed in a particular endeavor.
The origins of the idiom "make a move" are not clear, as is often the case with idiomatic expressions. However, its usage has become widespread and is likely a natural evolution of the English language. The phrase itself is a straightforward combination of the words "make" and "move," which both imply action or activity.
The idiom "make a move" has multiple meanings that revolve around the theme of taking action or making a decision. Whether it is in a romantic, strategic, or general context, the idiom conveys the importance of being proactive and actively engaging in the situation at hand. While the origins of the phrase remain uncertain, its usage and significance in everyday language are undeniable.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "make a move" can be used in a sentence:
- He decided to make a move and applied for the job.
- She's been waiting for him to make a move, but he seems too shy.
- The player had to carefully strategize before making his next move in the game.
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