ENGLISH
REFERENCE

put the moves on

idiom
Meaning

To make an effort to gain someone's romantic or sexual interest; to try to woo or seduce.

Examples
SIMPLE

He tried to put the moves on her at the party.

CONTEXTUAL

I felt uncomfortable when he started to put the moves on me during our first date.

COMPLEX

Despite her clear lack of interest, he continued to put the moves on her throughout the evening, oblivious to the social cues.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    bust a move

    To dance.

  2. 02

    get a move on

    To hurry up, to get moving.

  3. 03

    get moving

    To start hurrying to undertake a task.

  4. 04

    keep it moving

    To continue or advance notwithstanding any issue or obstacle.

  5. 05

    make a move

    To take action.

  6. 06

    move furniture

    To engage someone physically; to brawl.

  7. 07

    move heaven and earth

    To do whatever is necessary, including extreme or unusual actions; to go to extremes.

  8. 08

    move house

    To change one's place of residence.

Last updated April 17, 2026