Flirting is a way people show interest in someone, often with playful comments or actions. It can happen through body language, jokes, or even light teasing. Some people flirt to express affection, while others might do it to see if someone likes them. Flirting can be fun, but it’s also important to be respectful and make sure the other person feels comfortable.
In this article, we will explore common idioms used when flirting. These idioms add a playful touch to everyday conversations. They help describe the subtle ways people flirt without saying too much. By understanding these phrases, you’ll be able to use them in your own chats and learn how language can make flirting more interesting.
Idioms About Flirting
1. Play hard to get
Meaning: To act uninterested to make someone try harder to win you over.
Example Sentence:
- “Sarah is playing hard to get with Jake. She won’t reply to his messages quickly.”
- “Don’t play hard to get if you like him, just tell him!”
Other ways to say: Be mysterious, Act distant
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom comes from games where one player pretends to be difficult to catch.
Usage: Often used when someone is trying to seem less interested to make someone work harder for their attention.
2. Flirt with someone
Meaning: To show romantic interest in someone in a playful way.
Example Sentence:
- “He likes to flirt with everyone in the class.”
- “Maya was flirting with Tom at the party last night.”
Other ways to say: Tease, Show interest
Fun Fact/Origin: This comes from old French “flirter,” meaning to playfully swing.
Usage: Used when someone is trying to show interest in a fun, light-hearted way.
3. Have a crush on someone
Meaning: To like someone romantically, often secretly.
Example Sentence:
- “Emma has a crush on Jake but hasn’t told him yet.”
- “Do you think she has a crush on you?”
Other ways to say: Like someone, Be into someone
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom is believed to come from the idea of feeling “crushed” by love.
Usage: Usually used by teenagers to describe someone they like.
4. Eye someone up
Meaning: To look at someone in a way that shows romantic or sexual interest.
Example Sentence:
- “She was eyeing him up during the meeting.”
- “I saw him eyeing you up from across the room.”
Other ways to say: Stare at, Look at intently
Fun Fact/Origin: This comes from the idea of using your eyes to “inspect” someone.
Usage: Often used when someone is checking out someone they find attractive.
5. Make a move
Meaning: To take the first step in showing romantic interest.
Example Sentence:
- “Tom finally made a move and asked her out.”
- “I think it’s time to make a move before someone else does!”
Other ways to say: Ask out, Take action
Fun Fact/Origin: “Make a move” comes from the idea of making a change in direction or strategy.
Usage: Used when someone is ready to take action in a romantic situation.
6. Get someone’s attention
Meaning: To make someone notice you.
Example Sentence:
- “She wore bright colors to get his attention.”
- “He tried to get her attention by telling funny jokes.”
Other ways to say: Catch someone’s eye, Stand out
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom refers to drawing focus or awareness from someone.
Usage: Often used when someone is trying to be noticed, especially romantically.
7. Hit on someone
Meaning: To flirt with someone in a direct way.
Example Sentence:
- “He hit on her all night at the party.”
- “Why did you hit on him in front of everyone?”
Other ways to say: Chat up, Make a pass at
Fun Fact/Origin: “Hit” in this context refers to making an approach or attempt.
Usage: Commonly used when someone is trying to attract romantic interest.
8. Drop a hint
Meaning: To suggest something indirectly, often about feelings.
Example Sentence:
- “He dropped a hint that he liked her, but she didn’t get it.”
- “I dropped a hint about going to the movies, but he didn’t ask me out.”
Other ways to say: Give a clue, Suggest subtly
Fun Fact/Origin: Dropping a hint means giving small, indirect signs to help others figure something out.
Usage: Used when someone is trying to make their interest clear without being too direct.
9. Lead someone on
Meaning: To make someone believe you are interested in them romantically, even if you’re not.
Example Sentence:
- “Don’t lead him on if you don’t like him.”
- “She led him on for weeks, then told him she wasn’t interested.”
Other ways to say: Give false hope, Mislead
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase comes from the idea of guiding someone toward something false.
Usage: Used when someone gives another person false romantic expectations.
10. Throw someone a compliment
Meaning: To give someone a nice remark, often as a way to flirt.
Example Sentence:
- “He threw her a compliment about her smile.”
- “She loves when people throw her compliments.”
Other ways to say: Praise, Compliment
Fun Fact/Origin: Compliments have been used to express interest and admiration for centuries.
Usage: Often used in flirting to make the other person feel special.
11. Butter someone up
Meaning: To flatter someone to gain their favor.
Example Sentence:
- “He’s always buttering her up before asking for favors.”
- “She knows how to butter him up to get what she wants.”
Other ways to say: Flatter, Sweet-talk
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase comes from the idea of making someone “smooth” with praise.
Usage: Used when someone is trying to charm another person through excessive flattery.
12. Give someone the eye
Meaning: To look at someone in a way that shows romantic interest.
Example Sentence:
- “She gave him the eye across the room.”
- “He gave me the eye as soon as I walked in.”
Other ways to say: Wink at, Give a glance
Fun Fact/Origin: Refers to giving someone a meaningful look to show attraction.
Usage: Commonly used when someone is showing interest with just a look.
13. Sweep someone off their feet
Meaning: To charm or impress someone so much that they are completely captivated.
Example Sentence:
- “He swept her off her feet with a romantic dinner.”
- “Her smile is enough to sweep anyone off their feet.”
Other ways to say: Captivate, Amaze
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from the idea of physically picking someone up and being so charming that they are left in awe.
Usage: Used when someone is deeply impressed or enchanted by another person.
14. Get the wrong idea
Meaning: To misunderstand someone’s intentions, often thinking they’re flirting when they’re not.
Example Sentence:
- “He got the wrong idea when she smiled at him.”
- “Don’t get the wrong idea, she was just being friendly.”
Other ways to say: Misinterpret, Misunderstand
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase is often used to describe a situation where someone thinks something means more than it does.
Usage: Used when someone’s actions or words are misunderstood as romantic.
15. Catch someone’s eye
Meaning: To attract someone’s attention, usually in a romantic way.
Example Sentence:
- “Her dress really caught his eye at the party.”
- “I tried to catch his eye from across the room.”
Other ways to say: Draw attention, Get noticed
Fun Fact/Origin: Refers to the idea of making yourself stand out so that someone notices you.
Usage: Often used when someone is trying to make an impression.
16. Make someone’s heart skip a beat
Meaning: To make someone feel excited or nervous because of attraction.
Example Sentence:
- “He made my heart skip a beat when he looked at me.”
- “Her smile makes my heart skip a beat every time.”
Other ways to say: Excite, Make someone nervous
Fun Fact/Origin: Refers to the feeling of being overwhelmed with excitement or attraction.
Usage: Used when someone has a strong emotional reaction due to someone else’s charm.
17. Get close to someone
Meaning: To build a personal connection, often with romantic interest.
Example Sentence:
- “She’s trying to get close to him by sitting next to him every day.”
- “They’re getting close after spending so much time together.”
Other ways to say: Grow close, Become friends
Fun Fact/Origin: Refers to the process of becoming emotionally closer to someone.
Usage: Used when someone is forming a bond, especially in a romantic way.
18. Hit it off
Meaning: To quickly form a good connection with someone.
Example Sentence:
- “We really hit it off when we met at the party.”
- “He hit it off with her from the start.”
Other ways to say: Connect, Get along
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase comes from the idea of a spark or instant chemistry.
Usage: Used when two people immediately feel comfortable and connected.
19. Take the plunge
Meaning: To take a risk and act on romantic feelings.
Example Sentence:
- “He finally took the plunge and kissed her.”
- “She’s thinking about taking the plunge and asking him out.”
Other ways to say: Make a move, Take a chance
Fun Fact/Origin: “Take the plunge” refers to diving into something, often used for big decisions.
Usage: Used when someone makes a big move in their romantic life.
20. Act on a hunch
Meaning: To follow a feeling or instinct, often in matters of romance.
Example Sentence:
- “She acted on a hunch and kissed him at the right moment.”
- “He acted on a hunch that she liked him.”
Other ways to say: Follow your instincts, Go with your gut
Fun Fact/Origin: A hunch is an intuitive feeling that often leads people to make decisions.
Usage: Used when someone makes a romantic gesture based on a feeling.
21. Be in love with someone
Meaning: To have romantic feelings for someone.
Example Sentence:
- “He is in love with her, but she doesn’t know yet.”
- “They’ve been in love with each other since high school.”
Other ways to say: Have feelings for, Be crazy about
Fun Fact/Origin: “In love” refers to the emotional state of deep affection.
Usage: Commonly used to describe strong romantic feelings.
22. Kiss up to someone
Meaning: To flatter someone excessively to gain their favor, sometimes used in flirting.
Example Sentence:
- “He kissed up to the teacher to get a better grade.”
- “She’s been kissing up to him all week.”
Other ways to say: Flatter, Butter up
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase comes from the idea of trying to “suck up” to someone.
Usage: Often used when someone is being overly nice to gain someone’s affection.
23. Get the ball rolling
Meaning: To start a romantic relationship or conversation.
Example Sentence:
- “They got the ball rolling by exchanging phone numbers.”
- “Why don’t you get the ball rolling and ask her to dance?”
Other ways to say: Start something, Begin
Fun Fact/Origin: Refers to getting things started, often used in various situations.
Usage: Used when starting a romantic connection or activity.
24. Strike up a conversation
Meaning: To start talking to someone, often to show romantic interest.
Example Sentence:
- “He struck up a conversation with her at the coffee shop.”
- “She struck up a conversation with him during lunch.”
Other ways to say: Start talking, Initiate a chat
Fun Fact/Origin: Refers to starting a discussion, often with someone new.
Usage: Used when someone is trying to talk to someone they are interested in.
25. Keep someone on their toes
Meaning: To make someone stay alert or interested in you, often in a flirtatious way.
Example Sentence:
- “She keeps him on his toes by always changing the conversation.”
- “He likes to keep her on her toes with surprise dates.”
Other ways to say: Keep alert, Keep guessing
Fun Fact/Origin: This comes from keeping someone ready to react or respond.
Usage: Used when someone tries to maintain interest or excitement in a romantic situation.
26. Sweet-talk
Meaning: To speak nicely to someone to charm them, often used in flirting.
Example Sentence:
- “He tried to sweet-talk his way into getting a date.”
- “She knows how to sweet-talk anyone into buying her coffee.”
Other ways to say: Flatter, Charm
Fun Fact/Origin: Refers to using kind words to win someone’s affection.
Usage: Used when someone uses kind or flattering words to get what they want.
27. Play the field
Meaning: To date or flirt with many people without committing to one person.
Example Sentence:
- “He’s still playing the field, not ready to settle down.”
- “She likes to play the field, but she’s not serious about anyone yet.”
Other ways to say: Date around, Keep options open
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from sports where “the field” represents many choices or possibilities.
Usage: Used when someone is casually dating without being tied to one person.
28. Go for it
Meaning: To take action, especially in a romantic situation.
Example Sentence:
- “Why don’t you just go for it and ask her out?”
- “I’m going to go for it and tell him how I feel.”
Other ways to say: Take a chance, Go ahead
Fun Fact/Origin: Refers to jumping into something with confidence.
Usage: Used when someone encourages another to act on their romantic feelings.
29. Show your cards
Meaning: To reveal your feelings or intentions.
Example Sentence:
- “He showed his cards when he told her how much he liked her.”
- “Don’t show your cards too soon in a new relationship.”
Other ways to say: Reveal your intentions, Be open
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from card games where showing your cards means revealing your hand.
Usage: Used when someone is open about their feelings or intentions.
30. Under someone’s spell
Meaning: To be completely charmed or influenced by someone.
Example Sentence:
- “He was under her spell after she smiled at him.”
- “She had him under her spell by the end of the night.”
Other ways to say: Be enchanted by, Be captivated by
Fun Fact/Origin: Refers to the idea of being so charmed that you are unable to resist.
Usage: Used when someone is deeply affected by another person’s charm.
Quiz: Idioms About Flirting
Instructions: Read each question and the answer choices carefully. Pick the letter that best matches the meaning of the phrase or expression.
Question Key
1. What does the phrase “play hard to get” mean?
A) Pretend you’re not interested to make someone try harder for your attention.
B) Be really direct and tell someone you like them.
C) Avoid talking to someone completely.
2. If you “have a crush on someone,” what does that mean?
A) You don’t like them at all.
B) You like them in a romantic way, but you may not tell them.
C) You think they’re your best friend.
3. When someone says they “flirt with someone,” what are they doing?
A) Talking in a friendly way, not romantically.
B) Trying to get the other person’s attention in a playful or romantic way.
C) Ignoring the person completely.
4. If you “eye someone up,” what does it mean?
A) You look at someone in a playful or interesting way.
B) You look at someone to check if they are wearing something cool.
C) You look at someone because you need help.
5. What does it mean to “make a move” on someone?
A) Do something random to surprise them.
B) Take the first step and show romantic interest.
C) Ask them for advice.
6. If someone “gets someone’s attention,” what did they do?
A) They made the person laugh.
B) They made sure the person noticed them.
C) They made the person feel ignored.
7. What does it mean to “hit on someone”?
A) To start talking to someone to get to know them better.
B) To show romantic interest in a direct way.
C) To ignore someone completely.
8. If someone “drops a hint,” what are they doing?
A) Giving a very clear and obvious sign.
B) Saying something without saying exactly what they mean, usually about their feelings.
C) Talking loudly to get attention.
9. If someone “gets the wrong idea,” what happened?
A) They misunderstood what was meant by someone else’s actions or words.
B) They heard something correctly but didn’t like it.
C) They completely ignored someone.
10. What does it mean to “sweep someone off their feet”?
A) To make someone laugh really hard.
B) To impress or charm someone so much that they’re deeply moved.
C) To be honest about how you feel without hesitation.
Answer Key
- A – Pretend you’re not interested to make someone try harder for your attention.
- B – You like them in a romantic way, but you may not tell them.
- B – Trying to get the other person’s attention in a playful or romantic way.
- A – You look at someone in a playful or interesting way.
- B – Take the first step and show romantic interest.
- B – They made sure the person noticed them.
- B – To show romantic interest in a direct way.
- B – Saying something without saying exactly what they mean, usually about their feelings.
- A – They misunderstood what was meant by someone else’s actions or words.
- B – To impress or charm someone so much that they’re deeply moved.
Wrapping Up
Flirting idioms help us talk about attraction and relationships in a fun, creative way. These expressions show how people can express interest without saying it directly. Whether you “have a crush” or “make a move,” these idioms give us simple ways to understand how people interact.
Now that you know more about flirting idioms, try using them in real life. Remember, these sayings are often used in friendly and playful conversations. Keep practicing, and you’ll be a pro at understanding and using them!
