make the first move
Begin the interaction
To make the first move is to initiate action before others do, especially when hesitation or uncertainty exists.
The phrase often applies to romantic contexts—being the one to express interest or physical affection: I was too shy, so she made the first move.
It extends to any situation requiring someone to act first: negotiations, confrontations, or strategic games.
- startTo set going
- initiateTo set in motion
- blaze a trailCreate a new route
- break the iceInitiate social interaction
- approachWay of handling something
advance · engage · test the waters · risk · contact · boldness · flirt · commence · introduce · woo · courage · pioneer · open the door · prompt · begin · get the ball rolling · instigate · take the lead
make the first movewait and see
Defer until clarity comes
hold back · sit back · play it safe · hang back · sit on one's hands
make the first movereact
Answer a stimulus
respond · follow suit · countermove · wait your turn · answer
make, makes, making, maker, makers, first, firstly, move, movers