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What does it mean when a man makes a pass at a woman?

Published in Social Interaction 2 mins read

When a man "makes a pass" at a woman, it means he is doing or saying something to clearly show he wants to begin a romantic or sexual relationship with her.


Here's a breakdown of what this can entail:


Understanding "Making a Pass"

  • Definition: According to the reference, "to make a pass" is an idiom meaning "to do or say something that clearly shows one wants to begin a romantic or sexual relationship with (someone)." This implies an active attempt to initiate an intimate connection.


Examples of Making a Pass

Action Description
Verbal A man directly expresses interest in a romantic or sexual encounter using flirtatious or suggestive language
Physical A man initiates physical touch that is intended to be more than friendly, such as prolonged eye contact or touching
Non-verbal A man displays flirty body language to show attraction, like suggestive glances or moving closer
Overly Complimentary He makes overly suggestive comments about the woman's appearance or personality


Key aspects of "Making a Pass"

  • Intentionality: The actions are deliberate and designed to convey romantic or sexual interest.
  • Initiation: It implies the man is actively trying to start something.
  • Clarity: The intent is reasonably clear to the recipient, even if not explicitly stated.


Context Matters

  • Social norms: What is considered "making a pass" can vary across cultures and social situations.
  • Individual perception: What one person sees as a pass, another might view as just being friendly.
  • Consent: Making a pass is not an invitation to unwanted behavior. It does not circumvent the need for consent and respectful interaction.