flirt

B2 · Upper Intermediate

v. to think about an idea or a plan for a short time without being very serious about it.

v. to experiment with or show a superficial interest in an idea, project, or possibility. Often takes the preposition 'with'.

“The company is flirting with the idea of opening a new office in Paris.”

“The administration has flirted with various tax reforms over the last decade, though none have progressed beyond the initial planning stages.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun

n. a person who enjoys behaving in a playful, romantic way with others.

n. a person who habitually or characteristically engages in flirtatious behavior.

“Don't take his compliments too seriously; he is a well-known flirt.”

“She gained a reputation as a harmless flirt, though her colleagues knew she was deeply devoted to her long-term partner.”

C2 · Proficiency Literary

v. to move or wave something with a quick, sudden motion.

v. to move something with a sudden jerk or a quick, darting motion. Often used of birds or small animals moving their tails.

“The small bird flirted its tail as it hopped along the garden fence.”

“The fan was flirted open with a sharp snap, momentarily obscuring the duchess's expression from the rest of the ballroom.”