make a move—
1. move from a stationary position:
- The robber said that if any of us made a move he would shoot.
2. leave the place:
- We’d better make a move now, or we’ll be here all night.
3. change one’s place of sojourn:
- The first holidayseekers are making a move to the seaside.
4. begin to act:
- Unless we make a move soon, we shall be in a hopelessly weak position.
Note: The expression does not correlate in meaning with the phrase make a movement—
1. move in a specific manner:
- Mrs. Morgan made a movement of protest but Francis looked to Teversham for support.
2. (Military) make a planned change in position:
- The regiment needed a good night’s sleep because the plan was to make a movement at dawn.
make one’s move—
1. have a turn in a game:
- After he made his move, Capablanca would beg Mrs. Lasker not to worry, because in his opinion her husband had the better position.
2. = make a move 4:
- Vehicle makers are pondering a number of legal issues which must be addressed before they make their move.