What does “On the make” mean?
"On the make" means actively seeking success or advancement, often in a ruthless or opportunistic manner.
What context can I use the in?
Example
He's always on the make for new business opportunities.
Example
She's on the make for a promotion at work.
Example
The politician is constantly on the make for more power and influence
Is “On the make” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“On the make” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “On the make” effectively in context?
You can use "On the make" to describe someone who is actively seeking success or advancement, often in a ruthless or opportunistic manner. It implies that the person is constantly looking for new opportunities and ways to get ahead. For example, if a friend is always networking and pursuing new business ventures, you might say, 'He's always on the make for new business opportunities.'
- 1Business
She's on the make for a promotion at work and is willing to take on extra responsibilities to prove herself.
- 2Career
He's always on the make for new job opportunities and is constantly updating his resume and networking.
- 3Politics
The politician is constantly on the make for more power and influence, using any means necessary to achieve his goals.
Similar phrases to “On the make”:
Having a strong desire to succeed or achieve something
Example
She's an ambitious young professional who is always looking for new challenges.
Taking advantage of opportunities, often without regard for moral principles
Example
He's known for his opportunistic behavior, always looking for ways to benefit himself.
Go-getter
An ambitious and enterprising person
Example
She's a real go-getter, always striving for success and never settling for less.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “On the make” come from?
The origin of the phrase "On the make" is unknown.
Is “On the make” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "On the make" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation. It is often used to describe individuals who are ambitious and driven, sometimes to the point of being ruthless or opportunistic.
What tone does “On the make” have?
"On the make" conveys a tone of ambition and determination. It can have both positive and negative connotations, depending on the context. It is often used to describe individuals who are actively pursuing success and advancement.
Can “On the make” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "On the make" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a versatile expression that can be used in various contexts, such as business, career, or politics. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, meetings, or professional correspondence.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'He's always on the make for new business opportunities.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Time to "be on the make"!' to imply readiness for pursuing success.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- driven
- ambitious
- opportunistic
- enterprising
- go-getter
- career-focused
Antonyms
- satisfied
- unambitious
- passive
- complacent
- content
- laid-back
