1
general::
Phrase(s): make a pass at someone
to flirt with or suggest sexual activity with someone. • Can you believe it? Larry made a pass at me! • No one ever makes a pass at me., Phrase(s): make a pass at something
to fly over or close by something. • The plane made a pass at the landing field and pulled up at the last minute. • The bird made a pass at me because I got too close to its nest.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs
2
general::
1. Flirt or make advances to someone, especially of a sexual nature, as in "Men seldom make passes at girls who wear glasses" (Dorothy Parker, Not So Deep As A Well, 1936). [1920s] 2. Also, take a pass at. Make an attempt, as in I've made a pass at opening it but had no luck, or Jake, will you take a pass at changing the oil? This usage employs pass in the sense of a "jab" or "poke." [Colloquial; 1900s] Also see MAKE A STAB AT.
American Heritage Idioms