📜 Definition
“On the make”: Actively seeking personal gain of some kind (financial, social, or the like); also, specifically looking for sexual conquest.
Example: “He’s always on the make, looking to climb the corporate ladder or maybe even snag a date.”
🤓 Synonyms
- Opportunistic
- Ambitious
- Social climber
- Go-getter
- Hustler
🙅♂️ Antonyms
- Complacent
- Indifferent
- Unambitious
- Altruistic
- Selfless
📚 Literature & Pop Culture References
- What Every Woman Knows by Sir James Barrie (1918): “There are few more impressive sights in the world than a Scotsman on the make.”
- The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald: Jay Gatsby’s relentless pursuit of wealth and social status could easily be seen as him being “on the make.”
- Mad Men (TV series): Don Draper epitomizes someone constantly “on the make”—in both financial and romantic terms.
🎶 Songs
- “Money for Nothing” by Dire Straits: Celebrates the rewards of being “on the make” in the entertainment industry.
- “Opportunites (Let’s Make Lots of Money)” by Pet Shop Boys: Highlights the opportunistic side of being “on the make.”
🎥 Movies
- Wall Street (1987): Gordon Gekko’s famous quote, “Greed is good,” sums up the essence of being on the make in the financial world.
- The Social Network (2010): Mark Zuckerberg’s journey from college student to social media mogul is a prime example of being “on the make.”
💡 Inspirational, Thought-Provoking Quote
“Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.” — Albert Schweitzer
📋 Quizzes
#### Which of these expressions is synonymous with "on the make"?
- [x] Social climber
- [ ] Couch potato
- [ ] Daydreamer
- [ ] Lone wolf
> **Explanation:** "Social climber" indicates someone actively seeking to improve their social status, much like "on the make."
#### True or False: "On the make" exclusively refers to financial gain.
- [ ] True
- [x] False
> **Explanation:** While "on the make" often pertains to financial ambitions, it also includes social maneuvering and sexual conquests.
#### In which book does the phrase "on the make" appear referring to a Scotsman?
- [ ] Pride and Prejudice
- [ ] Moby-Dick
- [x] What Every Woman Knows
- [ ] The Picture of Dorian Gray
> **Explanation:** In "What Every Woman Knows" by Sir James Barrie, the phrase aptly describes the ambition of a Scotsman.
#### Which movie features a character who is perpetually "on the make" in the financial sector?
- [ ] Titanic
- [ ] The Godfather
- [x] Wall Street
- [ ] Jurassic Park
> **Explanation:** Gordon Gekko from "Wall Street" is the quintessential example of someone always "on the make."
#### What American TV series epitomizes the phrase "on the make" through the character of Don Draper?
- [ ] Friends
- [x] Mad Men
- [ ] Breaking Bad
- [ ] The Office
> **Explanation:** Don Draper's constant scheming for professional and romantic gains renders him perpetually "on the make" in "Mad Men."
📖 Farewell Thought
In the world of clichés, “on the make” exemplifies the ambitious spirit that drives many to chase dreams, no matter the cost. Not all who are “on the make” succeed, but all who succeed were once “on the make.”
May your endeavors be gratifying and your ambitions boundless, but remember to cherish the journey as much as the destination.
