On the make
phrase
Actively trying to seek out success or gain something.
John is always on the make, doing whatever it takes to climb the corporate ladder.
Often appears as...
- be on the make
- person on the make
Usage tips
Colloquial
phrase
Trying to make money dishonestly.
Sheriff Jackson suspected that the newcomers were on the make, running some sort of scam.
Often appears as...
- on the make scam
- thought they were on the make
Usage tips
Colloquial
phrase
Actively looking for sexual partners.
At the party, she could tell he was on the make, flirting with every woman he met.
Often appears as...
- on the make at a party
- on the make in the club
Usage tips
Informal
Colloquial
phrase
Actively trying to seek out success or gain something.
John is always on the make, doing whatever it takes to climb the corporate ladder.
Often appears as...
- be on the make
- person on the make
Usage tips
Colloquial
phrase
Trying to make money dishonestly.
Sheriff Jackson suspected that the newcomers were on the make, running some sort of scam.
Often appears as...
- on the make scam
- thought they were on the make
Usage tips
Colloquial
phrase
Actively looking for sexual partners.
At the party, she could tell he was on the make, flirting with every woman he met.
Often appears as...
- on the make at a party
- on the make in the club
Usage tips
Informal
Colloquial
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3Chasing Success
Used to describe someone aggressively pursuing their goals, often in career or business.
He’s always networking because he’s on the make.
Pro Tip 2/3Positive Ambition
Can imply commendable ambition, but sometimes with a hint of excessive or aggressive tactics.
She’s on the make at every seminar, always ready with a business card.
Pro Tip 3/3Negative Perception
May suggest the person is overly ambitious, possibly stepping over others to advance.
Their constant self-promotion shows they're on the make.
Pro Tip 1/3Chasing Success
Used to describe someone aggressively pursuing their goals, often in career or business.
He’s always networking because he’s on the make.
Pro Tip 2/3Positive Ambition
Can imply commendable ambition, but sometimes with a hint of excessive or aggressive tactics.
She’s on the make at every seminar, always ready with a business card.
Pro Tip 3/3Negative Perception
May suggest the person is overly ambitious, possibly stepping over others to advance.
Their constant self-promotion shows they're on the make.
Pro Tip 1/3Chasing Success
Used to describe someone aggressively pursuing their goals, often in career or business.
He’s always networking because he’s on the make.
Pro Tip 2/3Positive Ambition
Can imply commendable ambition, but sometimes with a hint of excessive or aggressive tactics.
She’s on the make at every seminar, always ready with a business card.
Pro Tip 3/3Negative Perception
May suggest the person is overly ambitious, possibly stepping over others to advance.
Their constant self-promotion shows they're on the make.
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