ESL Podcast 973 - Attracting Someone's Interest

to have (one's) sights set on (someone) - to be interested in another person, especially to want to start a romantic or sexual relationship with that person

Josue is cute, but I have my sights set on someone a little older.

to give (someone) the eye - to look at someone with a meaningful expression on one's face to indicate interest and sexual attraction

That guy at the bar was giving Sheila the eye, and then he came over and asked if he could buy her a drink.

watch out - an expression used to tell someone to be careful or use caution because of something that is going to happen soon

Watch out! The bridge might be icy.

to not take no for an answer - to be very persistent and committed to getting what one wants

Harold wants to be the next CEO and he won't take no for an answer!

at all - a phrase used for emphasis of a verb in the negative, meaning not even a little bit

Yuki said she isn't worried about the presentation at all, but I don't believe her. (one's) type - having the characteristics of the type of person one is interested in having a romantic relationship with; a desirable partner for a romantic relationship

Pierre is nice, but he's thin and blonde--definitely not my type.

hot - very attractive in a sexual way

That movie has so many hot actors in it!

bunch - many; a lot of; several; multiple

Why are there a bunch of parents standing outside the school cafeteria?

at (one's) beck and call - responding to someone's requests and needs immediately, completely dominated by that person and putting that person's needs and interests above one's own

If you told Iago to jump off a bridge, he'd do it. He's completely at your beck and call.

to take an interest - to be romantically interested in someone; to have interest in starting a romantic relationship with someone

Christine used to be unpopular, but as soon as she dyed her hair, got rid of her glasses, and learned to dress better, all the boys began to take an interest in her.

God's gift - a phrase used sarcastically to mean that someone thinks he or she is very special and better than everyone else in some way

Journalists are always suspicious of sources who seem to think they're God's gift to reporters.

to make a beeline for (someone/something) - to walk or otherwise move directly toward someone or something, without being distracted by anything else

Shane was very hungry, so as soon as they got to the party he made a beeline for the buffet table.

cue - a signal reminding someone of what to do or when, especially in theater when someone forgets what he or she is supposed to say

At the party, if I scratch my ear, that's your cue to come and rescue me from a boring conversation.

to beat a speedy exit - to leave very quickly and suddenly

The bank robbers beat a speedy exit and left before the police arrived.

to give (someone) the brush off - to ignore or reject someone; to not give someone full consideration and respect

That salesperson was so rude, giving us the brush off like that! We'll never shop there again.

to tangle with - to become involved with someone or something that is very complicated and unpleasant

Don't tangle with lawyers unless you're really serious about suing your neighbor.