on the prowl
Actively seeking targets
On the prowl describes someone actively searching for something, typically with predatory or opportunistic intent.
The phrase comes from how animals hunt—moving stealthily, scanning for prey.
Applied to people, it often suggests looking for romantic or sexual partners: He's on the prowl tonight.
It can also describe any focused, eager search: talent scouts on the prowl for the next big thing.
- seekingAttempting to find
- courtingRomantic pursuit of another
- stalkingStealthy, persistent pursuit
- cat and mouseProlonged pursuit game
- flirtingPlayfully showing romantic interest
sneaking · scheming · seducing · lurking · spying · hunting · pouncing · sizing up · checking out · maneuvering · creeping · shadowing · tracking · cruising · investigating · scavenging · wooing · exploiting
on the prowlstationary
Not in motion
at rest · staying put · inactive · sitting still · sedentary
on the prowlin hiding
Concealed from searchers
laying low · hunted · prey · quarry · on the run