on someone 3: Some guys from New York moved in on me and purchased my contract. I found out they forced my manager to sell the contract, and didn’t even pay him. make a noise • make noises make a noise—1. talk very much about smth.; make smth. the object of general comment: For all the great noise that is made about it, there is but little true faith in the world. 2. complain or argue about smth. in order to draw attention to it: The women were making a lot of noise about having a room of their own. Note: The expression does not correlate in meaning with the phrase make a noise in the world— attain great fame or noto- riety: He seemed a very lively young man, certain of his own abilities and eager to make a noise in the world . make noises —express particular ideas, feelings, etc. not men- tioning them directly: General Electric and Alcoa, for exam- ple, are making noises about getting into city building. Note: The expression does not correlate in meaning with the phrase make the right noises—(also: make all the right noises) show concern, enthusiasm, etc. about smth. because one is expected to: She said I would have to come and visit her. I made the right noises , then changed the subject. make a party • make up a party make a party—arrange a social gathering, especially of invited guests at a private house: Every evening there is some- where in this building a party. And if there wouldn’t be any, you be sure we invent a reason to make a party ! make up a party—form a group of people for purposes of entertainment, recreation, etc.: We do require that you pay for the trip in advance; however, your money will be refunded if we are unable to make up a party , or if the trip is canceled. make a pass • make the pass make a pass—1. gain upon and pass the vehicle in front of one: The reigning World Champion (Button) just couldn’t get close enough to the Japanese driver to make a pass . 2. (also: make passes) attempt to attract the romantic interest of a per- son: He had almost completely hidden from me the feelings which seemed to have driven him to make a pass at me. make the pass — = make a pass 1: An impatient driver decided that he had to pass the cars ahead of him. He veered into our lane to make the pass … make a point of something • make the point about something make a point of something —regard or treat smth. as impor- tant or necessary: Fred also made a point of the need for club members to support such an important event. make the point about something—communicate one’s argu- ment or idea successfully: Alan made the point about pro- grammers being just like mountain climbers tackling a new mountain. make a proposal • make a proposition make a proposal —1. offer or put forward a suggestion, plan, etc.: Porter made a proposal to hold secret negotiations, but the communist side did not accept it. 2. offer marriage to a person: He felt they had been cheated out of so many years together that maybe he would make a proposal to her soon. make a proposition—1. = make a proposal 1: He made a proposition to hold a complimentary film festival, one that would take a more extensive look at the older films. 2. make an indecent request to a woman: There are not many men who could get away with exposing themselves and making a proposition to an employee. make a run • make a run for it make a run —1. (coll.) make a rapid journey for a short stay at a place: Would you like to make a run of a day or two to the other side of the Weald? 2. (Air Force) make a target approach in order to attack: One of the fighters made a run at us, but his high speed caused him to misjudge his trajec- tory. make a run for it—(also: run for it) run in order to escape from a place or a dangerous situation: It was still raining hard, but we made a run for it . make a scene • make the scene make a scene—exhibit anger, indignation, etc., in a public outburst: He thought the soup too hot, and made quite a little scene about it. make the scene —(sl.) 1. appear in a particular place: I’ve got to make the scene . The whole world will be there! 2. under- stand or appreciate the situation: I can’t quite make the scene , but it looks like Bruno punched the guy over here. 3. succeed; achieve a position, etc.: I guess with this album they’ll sure make the scene . Note: The expression does not correlate in meaning with the phrase set the scene—(also: lay the scene) 1. (Theater) install stage furniture, scenery, etc., to create the setting of a play: The stagehands set the scene for Macbeth’s final showdown in record time. 2. place or locate the surroundings of a play, film, story, etc.: The novel by Luigi Natoli sets the scene in 17th century Sicily. 3. provide the appropriate background or atmos- phere for smth.: They have done what no American adminis- tration has dared do—set the scene for a proper debate. make a show • make a showing make a show—(also: put on a show) display an outward ap- pearance or semblance of smth.: The gardener was a very old man, somewhat deaf, who was only making a show of work- ing. Note: The expression does not correlate in meaning with the phrase do a show—(coll.) attend an entertainment: People over a wide area would dine and do a show , as they do at Strat- ford. make a showing —give a demonstration of some competence or worth: She’s very young, and I thought it was fine that she even made a showing among all those older contestants. make a snatch • take a snatch make a snatch—(Underworld) commit an unexpected and quick robbery (also: do a snatch): The best way is to make a snatch and give legs for it, it’s better than loitering. take a snatch—(coll.) eat some meal hurriedly (when a chance occurs): He took only a snatch or light refreshment, returning immediately to his desk. make a stand against something • take a stand against something make a stand against something —oppose smth. actively: The teachers’ union has made a stand against violence, backing members who have threatened industrial action rather than teach disruptive children. take a stand against something —adopt a firm public position against smth.: Pennsylvanians should be proud of the officials who took a stand against violence and hatred in this state. make a time for something • make time for something make a time for something—set a time or make an appoint- ment for smth.: I enclose a form for you to fill in. We should make a time for me to inspect the damaged premises. Note: The expression does not correlate in meaning with the phrase make a time about something—(U.S. coll.) make a fuss over smth.; treat smth. with an excessive display of attention (also: make a time over something): Our little girl insisted upon doing – 229 – make a time for something