make a play
Make your move
To make a play for something or someone is to attempt to get or win them, often through deliberate strategy or charm.
The expression draws from sports and games, where a play is a calculated move toward scoring.
She's clearly making a play for the promotion.
He made a play for her at the party, but she wasn't interested.
The phrase often implies romantic pursuit or competitive maneuvering for position, resources, or advantage.
Deliberate tactical movement
- tacticPlanned action for advantage
- gambitRisky opening for advantage
- ployCalculated deceptive tactic
- moveChange location or act
bid · attempt · power grab · takeover · acquisition · hostile bid · coup · challenge
Playfully attract attention
- pursueFollow to catch
- courtTrial venue or sports surface
- advanceMove or progress forward
- hit onMake romantic advances toward
proposition · charm · seduce · woo · ask out · approach · test the waters · break the ice
Operate a vehicle
- rushQuick sudden movement
- breakawaySudden separation from group
- fast breakQuick counterattack in basketball
- possessionState of owning
set piece · offensive push · fourth down · goal line · buzzer beater · two-minute drill · red zone · audible
maneuver
Deliberate tactical movement
move · bid · attempt · power grab · takeover · acquisition · hostile bid · coup · challenge · positioning
flirt
Playfully attract attention
hit on · proposition · charm · seduce · woo · ask out · approach · test the waters · break the ice
drive
Operate a vehicle
- rushQuick sudden movement
- breakawaySudden separation from group
- fast breakQuick counterattack in basketball
possession · set piece · offensive push · fourth down · goal line · buzzer beater · two-minute drill · red zone · audible
- try phrasesgive it a shot, take a stab, have a go, try your luck, give it a whirl
make a playdo nothing
Remain inactive deliberately
stand pat · sit on one's hands · hold back · sit tight · stay put
make a playback off
Stop pressing someone
walk away · give up · retreat · pull back · stand down
make a playplay it safe
Avoid unnecessary chances
hedge one's bets · keep one's head down · stay in one's lane · err on the side of caution
make, makes, made, making, maker, makers, remake, remade, remaking