Set one's cap at

Definitions

• Show romantic interest in someone
  To pursue or try to attract the romantic attention of a particular person

• Pursue someone for marriage
  To have the intention of marrying a particular person and actively pursue them as a potential spouse

Examples of Set one's cap at

• She finally set her cap at him after years of friendship.

  This idiom means that she has declared her intention to pursue a romantic relationship with him. In the past, she may have been interested in him but did not want to jeopardize their friendship. However, now she has made it clear that she wants to be more than friends.

• The young woman boldly set her cap at the wealthy businessman.

  In this example, "set one's cap at" is used to describe a woman who is actively pursuing a man that she perceives as an advantageous match, typically due to his wealth or status. This idiom suggests that the woman is making a deliberate and calculated move to capture the man's attention and potentially win his heart.

• He jokingly threatened to set his cap at her younger sister as revenge.

  In this case, "set one's cap at" is used metaphorically to indicate that the man is making a feinted move to get back at someone. By stating that he will pursue the woman's younger sister, he is ostensibly implying that he is capable of moving on and finding someone else, in response to her actions. This idiom can also be used to playfully tease or flirt with someone, implying a potential interest that may not be entirely serious.

• The actress revealed in a recent interview that she set her cap at her co-star during the filming of their latest project.

  In the final example, the idiom is being used to describe a woman who fell in love with her co-star while working together on a film or television show. The use of the phrase "set her cap at" suggests that the actress was actively pursuing a romantic relationship, perhaps being bold or assertive in her advances. This idiom is commonly used to describe love or romantic interest, typically portraying the woman as taking charge in the pursuit of affection.

• Emma set her cap at James when she learned that he would be studying abroad in France next semester.

  This idiom refers to the traditional act of removing one's hat as a sign of respect or interest. In modern usage, "setting one's cap at" someone means expressing an intention to woo or court them romantically. Emma's action here suggests that she has developed feelings for James and hopes to pursue a romantic relationship with him during his time in France.

• The CEO of the company set his cap at expanding the business into new international markets during his keynote speech at the annual convention.

  This example shows the versatility of "set one's cap at" as it can also be used metaphorically to refer to ambitious goals or objectives. In this context, the CEO's statement indicates his desire to grow the company's operations in new regions around the world.

• The author set her cap at exploring the themes of identity and belonging in her latest novel.

  This example demonstrates how "set one's cap at" can be used in a creative or artistic context. By referencing this idiom, the author implies that she has a specific intention or focus for her writing, which readers can expect to encounter in the book.

• The politician set his cap at winning the upcoming election by launching a series of campaign commercials and rallies.

  This example highlights the idiom's applicability to political and public figures. The politician's action signals his determination to secure a victory at the polls by implementing strategic measures that aim to sway voters' opinions in his favor.

Conclusion

The idiom "set one's cap at" is used to express the intention of showing romantic interest in someone or pursuing someone for marriage. It is often used in a playful or light-hearted manner to describe someone's romantic pursuits.

Origin of "Set one's cap at"

The phrase "set one's cap at" dates back to the 17th century when women would wear caps as a fashion accessory. In the past, a woman would "set her cap at" a man she was interested in by adjusting her cap to make herself look more attractive to him. Over time, the idiom evolved to represent the act of showing romantic interest or pursuing someone for marriage. Today, it is used in a figurative sense to describe romantic pursuits and intentions. Examples of the idiom can be found in literature and historical texts, showcasing its long-standing usage in the English language.