flirt with
Definition
Verb: - To consider something as a possibility or to entertain an idea, often without a firm commitment to act on it. This usage implies a brief or non-serious engagement with a thought or plan.
Usage
This phrasal verb is used to describe the act of thinking about or toying with an idea, concept, or course of action. It often suggests the idea is not being pursued seriously or decisively.
Examples
- Verb:
- For a moment, she flirted with the idea of quitting her job and traveling the world.
- He often flirts with radical political theories but never fully adopts them.
- The company is flirting with the notion of entering a new market.
Advanced Usage
- "to flirt with danger/disaster": To act in a way that recklessly risks a bad outcome.
- Driving that fast on a wet road is flirting with disaster.
Variants and Related Words
- Flirtation (n): A brief or casual involvement with an idea or activity.
- His flirtation with a career in music didn't last long.
- Flirt (v): The base verb, most commonly meaning to behave as though romantically or sexually attracted to someone.
Synonyms
- Entertain: To consider or give thought to.
- Toy with: To consider something idly or without seriousness.
- Consider: To think about carefully.
Related Phrasal Verbs
(As the target word is itself a phrasal verb, this section lists other phrasal verbs with 'flirt'.) - Flirt around (less common): To behave flirtatiously with various people.
Related Idioms
- Flirt with the idea: This is the core idiomatic usage explained above. It is synonymous with the main definition.
Verb
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take into consideration, have in view
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He entertained the notion of moving to South America
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