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B1 verb #10 le plus courant 15 min de lecture

flirt

Top 10

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces flirt en 30 secondes

Explication flirt in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'flirt' is a word you might not use often, but it's helpful to know. It means to act like you like someone in a fun or romantic way. Imagine you are at a party and you see two people smiling, laughing, and talking a lot. They might be flirting. It is not a serious word. It is about being happy and playful with another person. You can say, 'They are flirting.' It is like being extra friendly because you think someone is attractive. At this level, just remember it means 'playing with love' or 'acting like you like someone.' You usually use it with 'with,' like 'He flirts with her.' It is a simple action that people do when they meet someone they like. You don't need to worry about the difficult meanings yet. Just think of it as a way people show they are interested in each other in a lighthearted way. It's common in movies and stories about young people.

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For A2 learners, 'flirt' is an interesting verb to describe social behavior. It means to behave in a way that shows you are attracted to someone, but without being very serious. It's often done through smiling, joking, or giving compliments. You will hear it in casual conversations. For example, 'My brother is always flirting with the girls at school.' It's important to know that flirting is usually a happy and light activity. It's not the same as 'dating' or 'loving.' It's the step before that, or just a fun way to talk. You might also see it used as a noun: 'He is a big flirt.' This means he flirts with many people. At this level, you should practice using it with the preposition 'with.' Remember, it's about the way you talk and act. If you are being very nice to someone because you like them, you are flirting. It's a very common word in English pop culture, so you will see it in many TV shows and songs.

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At the B1 level, you should understand that 'flirt' has two main meanings. The first is the romantic one: behaving playfully to show attraction. You should be able to use it in various tenses, like 'They have been flirting for weeks.' The second meaning is more metaphorical: to 'flirt with' an idea or a danger. This means to consider something briefly or to be close to a risky situation. For example, 'She is flirting with the idea of moving to another country.' This means she is thinking about it, but she hasn't decided yet. It's a 'maybe.' You should also start to notice the difference between flirting and just being polite. Flirting has a 'spark' or a romantic intention. In your writing, you can use 'flirt' to add more detail to how characters interact. It's a B1 level word because it requires understanding social subtext and metaphorical language. You'll find it useful for describing both social situations and decision-making processes.

At the B2 level, you can use 'flirt' with more precision and understand its social implications. You should know that 'flirting' can be a sensitive topic in different cultures and environments. For example, flirting in the workplace might be seen differently than flirting at a bar. You should also be comfortable with the metaphorical use in professional or journalistic contexts. A news report might say, 'The economy is flirting with a recession.' This means the economy is very close to a recession, but not quite there. You can also use adverbs to modify the verb, such as 'shamelessly flirting' or 'subtly flirting.' At this level, you should also be aware of synonyms like 'toying with' or 'dallying with' and know when to use them. You understand that flirting is often about ambiguity—it's a way of communicating interest without making a full commitment. This makes it a very useful word for describing complex human emotions and risky business or political moves.

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At the C1 level, you should have a sophisticated grasp of 'flirt' and its various connotations. You can use it to describe nuanced social dynamics, such as 'the fine line between flirting and professional networking.' You should also be familiar with more literary or formal uses. For instance, an author might write about a character 'flirting with the boundaries of social acceptability.' In this context, it means pushing the limits of what is considered normal or okay. You should also understand the historical and cultural weight of the word. In some contexts, 'flirting' might be seen as a form of power play or manipulation. You can use the word to analyze characters in literature or to discuss complex social issues. The metaphorical use becomes even more flexible at this level; you might talk about a scientist 'flirting with a breakthrough' or a philosopher 'flirting with nihilism.' Your use of the word should reflect an understanding of its inherent playfulness and its potential for describing dangerous or transformative proximity.

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At the C2 level, your mastery of 'flirt' should be complete, including its most subtle and idiomatic applications. You can use it to describe high-level abstract concepts with ease. For example, you might discuss how a particular architectural style 'flirts with' both modernism and classicism, creating a unique hybrid. You understand the psychological depth of the word—how flirting serves as a low-stakes way to test social boundaries and build interpersonal tension. You can also use it in a self-reflective way, perhaps describing your own 'flirtation' with different intellectual traditions or artistic movements. At this level, you are aware of the word's etymological roots and how they contribute to its modern sense of 'flickering' or 'light movement.' You can use 'flirt' to add a layer of sophistication to your speech and writing, using it to describe anything from a delicate social interaction to a high-stakes geopolitical gamble. You are also sensitive to the potential for the word to be used ironically or sarcastically in various social registers.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

flirt en 30 secondes

Flirt is a verb used to describe playful romantic interest or a non-committal approach to an idea or risk.
It is primarily an intransitive verb, almost always followed by the preposition 'with' when referring to a target.
The word carries a sense of lightness and ambiguity, making it distinct from more serious romantic pursuits.
In metaphorical contexts, it describes being very close to a situation, such as 'flirting with disaster' or 'flirting with success'.

The verb flirt is a multifaceted term that primarily describes a social and sexual behavior characterized by playful interest. At its core, to flirt is to act as though you are attracted to someone, but often with a lightness that suggests the interaction is more about the enjoyment of the moment than a serious commitment. It is a dance of ambiguity, where body language, tone of voice, and witty banter create a bridge between platonic friendship and romantic pursuit. People flirt to test the waters, to build confidence, or simply to enjoy a pleasant social exchange. However, the word extends beyond the realm of romance. In a metaphorical sense, one can flirt with an idea or flirt with danger. This usage implies a superficial or experimental engagement with something potentially risky or transformative without fully committing to the consequences. Understanding the nuance of flirting requires a keen eye for social cues, as the line between being 'friendly' and 'flirtatious' is often drawn by intent and cultural context.

Social Context: Flirting is most common in social gatherings, such as parties, cafes, or through digital communication, where the goal is to establish a playful rapport.

He didn't realize that his habit of smiling at everyone made people think he was trying to flirt with them constantly.

In professional settings, flirting is often viewed with caution. While 'office flirting' exists, it frequently walks a fine line between harmless fun and workplace misconduct. The key distinction lies in 'reciprocity'—if both parties are enjoying the exchange, it is flirting; if one party is uncomfortable, it may be perceived as harassment. This is why the word carries a weight of social responsibility. To flirt effectively and respectfully, one must be attuned to the other person's comfort levels. Linguistically, the word often appears in the continuous form ('They were flirting') or as an infinitive ('She loves to flirt'). It suggests a process rather than a single completed action, emphasizing the ongoing nature of the interaction.

Metaphorical Usage: When you flirt with an idea, you are considering it briefly or tentatively, like a politician flirting with the idea of running for office.

The company is currently flirting with the possibility of expanding into the European market next year.

Historically, the word has roots in the idea of a 'flick' or a sudden motion, which mirrors the quick, light nature of the behavior. In modern English, it has become a staple of romantic comedies and literature, often serving as the catalyst for plot development. Whether it's a 'harmless flirt' or a 'dangerous flirtation,' the word captures the human desire for connection and the thrill of the unknown. It is a word that balances on the edge of seriousness, making it one of the most expressive verbs in the English language for describing interpersonal dynamics.

She decided to flirt with the waiter just to see if she could still get a free dessert.

Synonym Nuance: While 'coquetting' is an older, more formal term for flirting, 'teasing' can sometimes be a part of flirting but is often more aggressive or less romantic.

Don't flirt with trouble by ignoring the safety warnings on the equipment.

They spent the whole evening flirting across the library table, never saying a word aloud.

Using the word flirt correctly involves understanding its grammatical patterns. Most commonly, it is an intransitive verb followed by the preposition 'with'. You flirt with someone or with something. This 'with' indicates the target of the playful attention or the subject of the superficial consideration. For example, 'He was flirting with his classmate' clearly defines the recipient of the behavior. When used metaphorically, 'She is flirting with the idea of moving to Japan' shows that the idea is being entertained but not yet finalized. It is important to note that 'flirt' can also be a noun ('He is such a flirt'), but as a verb, it describes the action itself. The tense changes are standard: flirt, flirted, flirting. In sentences, it often pairs with adverbs to describe the intensity or manner of the action, such as 'shamelessly flirting,' 'subtly flirting,' or 'harmlessly flirting.'

Transitive vs. Intransitive: In modern English, 'flirt' is almost exclusively intransitive. You cannot 'flirt someone'; you must 'flirt with someone'.

The daredevil was known to flirt with death every time he performed a stunt.

When constructing sentences, consider the tone. Flirting is usually lighthearted. If the interaction is heavy or serious, 'flirt' might not be the right word. For instance, 'He was flirting with her at the funeral' sounds inappropriate because the context of 'flirt' clashes with the solemnity of a funeral. Conversely, 'They flirted throughout the wedding reception' sounds perfectly natural. The word also appears in negative constructions to deny intent: 'I wasn't flirting, I was just being polite.' This highlights the subjective nature of the word—what one person sees as flirting, another might see as simple kindness. This ambiguity is a frequent source of conflict in literature and film, where a character's 'flirting' is misinterpreted by others.

Common Adverb Pairings: Commonly paired with: outrageously, desperately, playfully, shyly, and constantly.

Stop flirting with the possibility of failure and start focusing on your goals.

In more complex sentence structures, 'flirt' can be used in participial phrases: 'Flirting with danger, the spy entered the enemy base.' Here, it sets the scene for the main action. It can also be used in the perfect tense to describe a long-standing habit: 'She has flirted with many career paths but never settled on one.' This versatility allows the word to function in both casual conversation and more sophisticated narrative writing. Whether you are describing a teenager's first crush or a corporation's risky financial move, 'flirt' provides a specific shade of meaning that suggests a 'touch-and-go' relationship with the subject.

It is dangerous to flirt with extremist ideologies without understanding their history.

The two actors were seen flirting on the red carpet, sparking rumors of a romance.

Sentence Structure: Subject + [Auxiliary] + flirting + with + Object (e.g., 'They are flirting with the idea').

You shouldn't flirt with your best friend's ex-boyfriend; it's bad etiquette.

The word flirt is ubiquitous in English-speaking culture, appearing in everything from high-stakes political commentary to reality television. In daily life, you'll hear it most often in social commentary. Friends might gossip about who was 'flirting' with whom at a party, or a person might jokingly accuse a friend of 'flirting' with a salesperson to get a discount. In the world of entertainment, 'flirting' is a central theme. Romantic comedies are built on the tension created by two characters flirting. Song lyrics frequently use the word to describe the early stages of attraction. For example, in pop music, flirting is often portrayed as a game or a dance, emphasizing its playful and sometimes deceptive nature. In celebrity news, 'flirting' is a common headline word used to describe any friendly interaction between two famous people, often to generate clicks and speculation about their private lives.

Media Usage: News outlets often use 'flirting' to describe political shifts, such as 'The senator is flirting with the idea of switching parties.'

The movie features a scene where the protagonist tries to flirt his way out of a speeding ticket.

In more serious contexts, such as business or journalism, 'flirting' is used metaphorically to describe risk-taking. A financial analyst might say a company is 'flirting with bankruptcy,' meaning they are very close to it but haven't quite reached it yet. This usage is powerful because it personifies the company or the situation, suggesting a reckless or dangerous proximity to a negative outcome. You will also hear it in sports commentary: 'The team is flirting with a perfect season,' meaning they are close to achieving it but the outcome is still uncertain. This metaphorical flexibility makes 'flirt' a favorite for writers who want to add a bit of drama or color to their descriptions. It moves the word from the bedroom to the boardroom, showing how deeply embedded the concept of 'playful proximity' is in the English language.

Social Media: On platforms like TikTok or Instagram, 'flirting' is often discussed in terms of 'rizz' (charisma) or 'signals' sent through likes and comments.

I heard them flirting on the phone for hours last night, so I think they really like each other.

In literature, 'flirting' is used to develop character dynamics. An author might describe a character as 'flirting with the edges of sanity,' which creates a vivid image of someone struggling with their mental health. This shows that the word is not just about romance; it's about the boundary between two states of being. Whether it's a casual remark between friends or a formal analysis of a geopolitical situation, 'flirt' is a word that conveys a specific type of non-committal engagement. It is a word that most English learners will encounter early on because of its high frequency in conversation and its importance in understanding social subtext. By paying attention to how and where it is used, you can gain a deeper understanding of the subtleties of English communication.

The city is flirting with the idea of banning cars in the downtown area to reduce pollution.

Stop flirting with me and just tell me what you want!

Academic Context: Psychologists study 'flirting' as a form of non-verbal communication and social signaling.

The stock market is flirting with record highs this week, despite the economic uncertainty.

One of the most common mistakes learners make with the word flirt is confusing it with other types of social interaction, such as being 'friendly' or 'teasing.' While flirting can involve both, it has a specific romantic or sexual undertone that 'friendly' does not. If you describe a professional meeting as 'everyone was flirting,' it might imply something inappropriate happened, whereas you probably meant 'everyone was being very friendly.' Another mistake is the grammatical omission of the preposition 'with.' You cannot 'flirt a person'; you must 'flirt with a person.' This is a common error for speakers of languages where the equivalent verb is transitive. Additionally, some learners use 'flirt' when they actually mean 'date' or 'court.' Flirting is the prelude or the playful interaction; it is not the same as a committed relationship or the act of going on a formal date.

Misinterpretation of Intent: Calling someone's behavior 'flirting' when they are just being helpful can lead to awkward social misunderstandings.

Incorrect: He was flirting her all night. Correct: He was flirting with her all night.

In metaphorical use, a common mistake is using 'flirt with' for something you are seriously pursuing. If you are 100% committed to an idea, you aren't 'flirting' with it anymore; you are 'implementing' it or 'committing' to it. 'Flirting' implies a lack of seriousness or a 'testing' phase. For example, saying 'I am flirting with the idea of eating lunch' sounds strange because eating lunch is a mundane, certain activity. It's better used for larger, more uncertain decisions: 'I'm flirting with the idea of quitting my job.' Another nuance is the difference between 'flirting' and 'harassment.' In modern English, especially in professional contexts, it is crucial to understand that 'flirting' must be consensual. If the other person isn't interested, continuing the behavior is no longer 'flirting'; it's 'pestering' or 'harassing.' Using the word 'flirt' to describe unwelcome advances can minimize the seriousness of the situation.

Confusion with 'Tease': 'Teasing' is often making fun of someone; 'flirting' is showing attraction. They can overlap, but they are not the same.

Don't say you are flirting with a project if you have already signed the contract and started work.

Finally, be careful with the noun form. Calling someone 'a flirt' can be a lighthearted compliment or a mild criticism, depending on the culture. In some conservative contexts, being called 'a flirt' might imply someone is insincere or untrustworthy in relationships. In more liberal contexts, it might just mean they are charming and social. Understanding the cultural 'weight' of the word is just as important as knowing its definition. When in doubt, observe how native speakers use it in your specific environment. Avoid using it in formal academic writing unless you are specifically discussing social behaviors or using the 'flirt with an idea' metaphor in a very controlled way. Overusing the word can also make your writing seem informal or gossipy.

She wasn't flirting with him; she was just trying to explain the technical requirements of the software.

He made the mistake of flirting with the interviewer, which cost him the job opportunity.

Spelling Note: The past tense is 'flirted' and the present participle is 'flirting'. Do not double the 't'.

The athlete was flirting with a new world record, but fell short by just a few milliseconds.

If you want to vary your vocabulary, there are several words similar to flirt, each with its own specific nuance. For the romantic meaning, 'coquet' is a more formal and slightly dated alternative, often used to describe someone who flirts to gain attention without any intention of responding. 'Philander' is a much stronger and more negative word, usually used for men who have many casual sexual affairs. 'Toy with' or 'dally with' are excellent alternatives for the metaphorical meaning of flirting with an idea. They suggest a lack of seriousness or a sense of playing with something. For example, 'He is toying with the idea of buying a boat' sounds very similar to 'He is flirting with the idea of buying a boat,' but 'toying' might imply a bit more whimsy. 'Banter' is another related word, referring specifically to the playful, witty conversation that often accompanies flirting, though banter can also happen between friends without any romantic intent.

Comparison: Flirt vs. Tease: Flirting is about attraction; teasing is about provocation. You can flirt by teasing, but you can also tease someone you dislike.

Instead of flirting, he tried to 'woo' her with traditional poetry and flowers.

'Court' and 'woo' are more old-fashioned and serious terms. They imply a much more deliberate and formal attempt to win someone's affection with the goal of marriage or a long-term relationship. In contrast, 'flirt' is much more casual. In a modern context, you might 'chat someone up' (British English) or 'hit on someone' (American English). 'Chatting someone up' is very close to flirting, usually in a bar or social setting. 'Hitting on someone' is often more direct and can sometimes be perceived as more aggressive or less subtle than flirting. 'Make eyes at' is a more visual way to describe flirting, focusing specifically on eye contact. 'Vamp' is a slangier, more dramatic term, often used for someone who uses their charms to seduce or manipulate others. Understanding these alternatives helps you choose the word that best fits the 'temperature' of the situation you are describing.

Comparison: Flirt vs. Hit On: 'Flirting' is a two-way street; 'hitting on someone' is often a one-way action that might be unwanted.

The politician was accused of dallying with the truth during the press conference.

For the 'flirting with danger' sense, you might use 'tempt fate' or 'skate on thin ice.' These idioms convey the same sense of risky proximity but are more dramatic. 'Court disaster' is another strong alternative. If you are describing someone who is very charming and flirts with everyone, you might call them 'charismatic' or 'personable' if you want to be positive, or 'fickle' or 'insincere' if you want to be negative. The word 'flirt' sits right in the middle, capable of being either positive or negative depending on the context. By mastering these synonyms and alternatives, you can describe the complex world of human interaction with much greater precision and flair. Always consider the 'register' (formality level) of your choice—'coquet' for a novel, 'chat up' for a conversation with friends, and 'flirt with the idea' for a business meeting.

She was making eyes at the lead singer from the front row of the concert.

He decided to toy with the notion of early retirement after winning the lottery.

Comparison: Flirt vs. Banter: Banter is about the conversation; flirting is about the attraction behind the conversation.

The CEO is skating on thin ice by ignoring the board's recommendations.

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

In the 18th century, 'flirting a fan' was a common way for women to communicate secret messages to suitors in social settings.

Guide de prononciation

UK /flɜːt/

US /flɜːrt/

The word is a single syllable, so the stress is on the entire word.

Rime avec

shirt dirt skirt hurt alert assert insert divert

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing the 'i' like the 'i' in 'sit'. It should be the 'er' sound.
Over-emphasizing the 't' at the end in casual speech.
Confusing the vowel sound with 'flart' or 'flort'.
Forgetting the rhotic 'r' in American English.
Pronouncing it like 'fleet'.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 3/5

Easy to recognize in context, but metaphorical uses require more focus.

Écriture 4/5

Requires correct use of the preposition 'with'.

Expression orale 3/5

Common in casual speech; pronunciation is straightforward.

Écoute 3/5

Easily heard in movies and TV shows.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

like play talk idea danger

Apprends ensuite

attract banter seduce commitment nuance

Avancé

coquetry philander dally capricious equivocate

Grammaire à connaître

Intransitive Verb with Preposition

You flirt *with* someone, not flirt someone.

Gerund after 'Stop/Start'

Stop flirting and pay attention.

Adverb Placement

They were *shamelessly* flirting.

Present Perfect Continuous for Ongoing Actions

They *have been flirting* for months.

Metaphorical Noun Phrases

Flirting with *the idea of* [verb-ing].

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Exemples par niveau

He likes to flirt with the girl in his class.

Il aime flirter avec la fille de sa classe.

Uses 'flirt with' + person.

Are they flirting?

Est-ce qu'ils flirtent ?

Present continuous question.

She flirts when she is happy.

Elle flirte quand elle est heureuse.

Present simple for habit.

I don't know how to flirt.

Je ne sais pas comment flirter.

Infinitive after 'how to'.

He is flirting with you!

Il flirte avec toi !

Present continuous for current action.

They flirted at the park.

Ils ont flirté au parc.

Past simple.

Do you like to flirt?

Aimes-tu flirter ?

Question with 'do'.

Stop flirting and do your work.

Arrête de flirter et fais ton travail.

Imperative with gerund.

He was flirting with the waitress all evening.

Il a flirté avec la serveuse toute la soirée.

Past continuous.

She is a big flirt and loves attention.

C'est une grande charmeuse et elle adore l'attention.

Noun usage.

They were just flirting, it wasn't serious.

Ils ne faisaient que flirter, ce n'était pas sérieux.

Emphasis on 'just'.

I think he is flirting with the idea of buying a car.

Je pense qu'il caresse l'idée d'acheter une voiture.

Metaphorical use with 'idea'.

Why are you flirting with my brother?

Pourquoi flirtes-tu avec mon frère ?

Question in present continuous.

He flirted his way into the VIP section.

Il a réussi à entrer dans la section VIP en flirtant.

Idiomatic 'flirt one's way into'.

She doesn't realize she is flirting.

Elle ne se rend pas compte qu'elle flirte.

Negative main clause.

We flirted a little bit at the wedding.

Nous avons un peu flirté au mariage.

Quantifier 'a little bit'.

The company is flirting with disaster by ignoring the new laws.

L'entreprise frôle la catastrophe en ignorant les nouvelles lois.

Metaphorical 'flirting with disaster'.

He spent the whole night flirting with his best friend's sister.

Il a passé toute la nuit à flirter avec la sœur de son meilleur ami.

Gerund after 'spent time'.

She has been flirting with the idea of starting her own business.

Elle caresse l'idée de monter sa propre entreprise depuis un moment.

Present perfect continuous.

Is it okay to flirt with a colleague at work?

Est-ce correct de flirter avec un collègue au travail ?

Infinitive as subject complement.

He was accused of flirting with the enemy during the war.

Il a été accusé de pactiser avec l'ennemi pendant la guerre.

Passive voice.

They flirted shamelessly in front of everyone.

Ils ont flirté sans vergogne devant tout le monde.

Adverb 'shamelessly'.

I'm just flirting with the notion of a vacation, nothing is planned.

Je ne fais que caresser l'idée de vacances, rien n'est prévu.

Metaphorical 'notion'.

She used to flirt with him just to make her boyfriend jealous.

Elle avait l'habitude de flirter avec lui juste pour rendre son petit ami jaloux.

'Used to' for past habit.

The government is flirting with the possibility of a tax hike.

Le gouvernement envisage la possibilité d'une hausse des impôts.

Metaphorical use in a formal context.

He was flirting with danger when he decided to climb the mountain alone.

Il jouait avec le feu quand il a décidé de gravir la montagne seul.

Idiomatic 'flirting with danger'.

She managed to flirt her way out of a very difficult situation.

Elle a réussi à se sortir d'une situation très difficile grâce à son charme.

Resultative construction.

The team is flirting with a record-breaking season this year.

L'équipe frôle une saison record cette année.

Metaphorical use in sports.

He has a habit of flirting with every woman he meets.

Il a l'habitude de flirter avec toutes les femmes qu'il rencontre.

Noun 'habit' + 'of' + gerund.

They have been flirting via text for several months now.

Ils flirtent par SMS depuis plusieurs mois maintenant.

Present perfect continuous with 'via'.

She was flirting with the idea of early retirement before the stock market crashed.

Elle caressait l'idée d'une retraite anticipée avant le krach boursier.

Past continuous for a past intention.

Don't flirt with the truth; just tell me what happened.

Ne joue pas avec la vérité ; dis-moi simplement ce qui s'est passé.

Metaphorical use meaning 'to be evasive'.

The novel flirts with themes of existentialism and despair.

Le roman effleure des thèmes d'existentialisme et de désespoir.

Metaphorical use in literary criticism.

He was flirting with the boundaries of legal ethics in his latest case.

Il frôlait les limites de l'éthique juridique dans sa dernière affaire.

Abstract object 'boundaries'.

The architect's design flirts with traditional styles while remaining modern.

Le design de l'architecte joue avec les styles traditionnels tout en restant moderne.

Metaphorical use in art/design.

She is constantly flirting with the edge of burnout due to her heavy workload.

Elle est constamment au bord de l'épuisement professionnel à cause de sa lourde charge de travail.

Metaphorical 'edge of burnout'.

The film flirts with the audience's expectations, constantly subverting them.

Le film joue avec les attentes du public, les subvertissant constamment.

Metaphorical use in media analysis.

He was accused of flirting with radical ideologies during his university years.

Il a été accusé d'avoir flirté avec des idéologies radicales pendant ses années universitaires.

Perfect infinitive 'of flirting'.

The city's economy is flirting with a major transformation.

L'économie de la ville est à l'aube d'une transformation majeure.

Metaphorical use for change.

She flirts with the idea of fame, but ultimately values her privacy.

Elle caresse l'idée de la célébrité, mais finit par privilégier sa vie privée.

Contrastive sentence structure.

The composer's latest symphony flirts with atonality without ever fully embracing it.

La dernière symphonie du compositeur frôle l'atonalité sans jamais l'embrasser pleinement.

Sophisticated metaphorical use in music.

His political career has always flirted with controversy, yet he remains popular.

Sa carrière politique a toujours flirté avec la controverse, pourtant il reste populaire.

Present perfect for ongoing state.

The project flirts with the impossible, pushing the limits of current technology.

Le projet frôle l'impossible, repoussant les limites de la technologie actuelle.

Abstract object 'the impossible'.

She flirts with the notion of absolute truth in her philosophical treatises.

Elle joue avec la notion de vérité absolue dans ses traités philosophiques.

Metaphorical use in academic writing.

The stock market is flirting with a psychological barrier of 40,000 points.

La bourse frôle la barrière psychologique des 40 000 points.

Metaphorical 'psychological barrier'.

The director flirts with surrealism to convey the protagonist's mental state.

Le réalisateur flirte avec le surréalisme pour transmettre l'état mental du protagoniste.

Infinitive of purpose.

He flirts with the idea of a utopian society in his latest novel.

Il caresse l'idée d'une société utopique dans son dernier roman.

Metaphorical use in literature.

The region is flirting with a humanitarian crisis if aid does not arrive soon.

La région frôle une crise humanitaire si l'aide n'arrive pas bientôt.

Conditional sentence.

Collocations courantes

flirt with the idea

flirt with danger

flirt with disaster

flirt shamelessly

flirt outrageously

flirt with death

flirt with success

flirt with the possibility

harmlessly flirt

subtly flirt

Phrases Courantes

flirt with someone

— To act in a playful, romantic way toward a person.

He was flirting with her all night.

flirt with an idea

— To consider a plan or thought without being serious about it.

She's flirting with the idea of moving to Paris.

flirt with danger

— To take risks that could lead to trouble.

You're flirting with danger by walking home alone so late.

flirt with disaster

— To be very close to a catastrophic failure.

The company's debt means it's flirting with disaster.

flirt with the truth

— To be somewhat dishonest or evasive.

The witness was flirting with the truth during his testimony.

flirt with bankruptcy

— To be on the verge of losing all money.

Many small businesses are flirting with bankruptcy right now.

flirt with a record

— To be very close to breaking a sports or performance record.

The runner is flirting with the world record time.

flirt with the notion

— Similar to 'flirt with the idea'; to entertain a concept.

He's flirting with the notion of early retirement.

flirt with failure

— To be close to not succeeding.

If you don't study, you're flirting with failure.

flirt with controversy

— To do things that are likely to cause public disagreement.

The artist often flirts with controversy in his work.

Souvent confondu avec

flirt vs friendly

Being friendly is about kindness; flirting is about romantic attraction.

flirt vs tease

Teasing is making fun of someone; flirting is showing you like them.

flirt vs harass

Harassment is unwanted and persistent; flirting is ideally mutual and playful.

Expressions idiomatiques

"flirt with disaster"

— To behave in a way that is very likely to cause something bad to happen.

Ignoring the safety rules is flirting with disaster.

neutral

"flirt with danger"

— To take unnecessary risks.

He's flirting with danger by driving that old car so fast.

neutral

"flirt with death"

— To do something extremely dangerous that could result in dying.

Base jumping is essentially flirting with death.

informal

"flirt with the idea"

— To think about doing something but not yet decide to do it.

I'm flirting with the idea of buying a motorcycle.

neutral

"flirt with the truth"

— To not be completely honest.

He was flirting with the truth when he said he was late because of traffic.

neutral

"flirt with bankruptcy"

— To be very close to being bankrupt.

The airline has been flirting with bankruptcy for years.

neutral

"flirt with a record"

— To be very close to achieving a new record level.

The heatwave is flirting with the all-time record for July.

neutral

"flirt with the edge"

— To be close to a limit or a dangerous point.

His behavior is flirting with the edge of what is acceptable.

neutral

"flirt with the possibility"

— To consider that something might happen.

We are flirting with the possibility of a new product launch.

neutral

"flirt with success"

— To be on the verge of succeeding.

After years of trying, he is finally flirting with success.

neutral

Facile à confondre

flirt vs flout

Similar sound.

Flout means to openly disregard a rule; flirt means to show attraction or consider an idea.

He flouted the rules, while she flirted with the guard.

flirt vs flaunt

Similar sound.

Flaunt means to show off something proudly; flirt means to act playfully attracted.

She flaunted her diamond ring while flirting with the jeweler.

flirt vs fleet

Similar sound.

Fleet is a group of ships or means fast; flirt is a social behavior.

The fleet sailed away as the sailors flirted with the locals.

flirt vs flighty

Related concept.

Flighty means fickle or irresponsible; a flirt might be flighty, but they aren't the same thing.

Her flighty nature made her a constant flirt.

flirt vs flutter

Similar motion/sound.

Flutter means to move wings quickly; flirting is a social action.

Her heart began to flutter when he started to flirt.

Structures de phrases

Subject + flirt(s) + with + Person.

He flirts with her.

Subject + is/are + flirting.

They are flirting.

Subject + flirt(s) + with the idea of + Gerund.

She flirts with the idea of traveling.

Subject + [Adverb] + flirted + with + Object.

He subtly flirted with the truth.

Participial phrase + Subject + Verb.

Flirting with disaster, the pilot landed the plane.

Subject + Verb + by flirting with + Abstract Concept.

The author explores grief by flirting with surrealism.

It is + Adjective + to flirt + with + Person.

It is fun to flirt with him.

Subject + managed to flirt + one's way + Prepositional Phrase.

She managed to flirt her way into the party.

Famille de mots

Noms

flirt (a person who flirts)

flirtation (the act of flirting)

flirtatiousness (the quality of being flirtatious)

Verbes

flirt

Adjectifs

flirtatious (behaving in a way that shows attraction)

flirty (informal version of flirtatious)

Apparenté

flirting

flirted

flirts

unflirty

flirt-worthy

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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Common in both spoken and written English.

Erreurs courantes

He flirted her. → He flirted with her.
'Flirt' is an intransitive verb and requires the preposition 'with' to connect to an object.
They are flirting since two hours. → They have been flirting for two hours.
Use the present perfect continuous with 'for' to describe an action that started in the past and continues now.
I am flirting the idea of moving. → I am flirting with the idea of moving.
Even in metaphorical use, the preposition 'with' is mandatory.
He is a very flirt person. → He is a very flirtatious person. / He is a big flirt.
'Flirt' is a noun or verb, not an adjective. Use 'flirtatious' or 'flirty' as the adjective.
She flirts with the truth (meaning she tells the truth). → She flirts with the truth (meaning she is being dishonest).
The idiom 'flirting with the truth' actually means being evasive or lying slightly, not being honest.

Astuces

Always use 'with'

Remember that 'flirt' is intransitive. You must say 'flirt with someone' or 'flirt with an idea.' Never say 'he flirted her.'

Read the room

Flirting is about mutual enjoyment. If the other person seems uncomfortable, it's not flirting anymore; it's time to stop.

Use for 'Maybe'

Use 'flirting with the idea' when you are about 20-30% sure of a decision. It shows you are just exploring the possibility.

Noun vs. Verb

Use the verb 'flirt' for the action and the noun 'flirt' for the person. 'She flirts' (verb) vs 'She is a flirt' (noun).

Cultural Awareness

Be careful using this word in very formal or conservative cultures, as it can carry a stronger negative weight than in Western cultures.

Show, Don't Tell

Instead of just saying 'they flirted,' describe the actions: 'They laughed at each other's jokes and made constant eye contact.'

Tense Consistency

When describing a scene, keep your tenses consistent. 'They were flirting and laughing' (both past continuous).

Flirting with Disaster

This is a very common idiom in business and news. Use it to describe a risky situation that is likely to end badly.

The 'er' sound

Make sure the vowel sound in 'flirt' is the same as in 'her' or 'sir.' Don't pronounce it like 'fl-it' or 'fl-art.'

Avoid at Work

Even if it's 'harmless,' using the word 'flirt' to describe workplace interactions can be risky. Stick to 'friendly' or 'collaborative.'

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of a 'flick' of the eyes. Flirting often starts with a quick, playful look or 'flick' of attention.

Association visuelle

Imagine a person playfully batting their eyelashes or a fan being flicked open and shut quickly.

Word Web

attraction playful banter danger idea wink smile tease

Défi

Try to use 'flirt' in two different ways today: once about a person and once about an idea you are considering.

Origine du mot

The word 'flirt' appeared in the mid-16th century. It originally meant to give someone a light blow or a flick, or to move something with a quick, sudden motion.

Sens originel : A sudden jerk or flick; a light stroke.

English (possibly imitative of the sound of a quick movement).

Contexte culturel

Be aware that what one person considers flirting, another may consider harassment. Consent and comfort are key.

In the US and UK, flirting is often seen as a fun, low-stakes way to interact, but workplace flirting is increasingly regulated.

The 'flirting' scenes in Jane Austen's novels. The song 'Flirtin' with Disaster' by Molly Hatchet. The character Joey Tribbiani's catchphrase 'How you doin'?' in Friends.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Romantic Interest

Are you flirting with me?
He's a bit of a flirt.
They were flirting all night.
Stop flirting!

Decision Making

I'm flirting with the idea.
She's flirting with a career change.
We're flirting with the possibility.
He's flirting with the notion.

Risk Taking

Flirting with danger.
Flirting with disaster.
Flirting with death.
Flirting with bankruptcy.

Sports/Records

Flirting with a world record.
Flirting with a perfect score.
Flirting with the lead.
Flirting with history.

Social Gossip

Did you see them flirting?
She was flirting with the waiter.
He flirts with everyone.
It was just harmless flirting.

Amorces de conversation

"Do you think it's okay to flirt with colleagues at work?"

"Have you ever flirted with the idea of moving to a completely different country?"

"What is the most 'flirting with danger' thing you have ever done?"

"In your culture, how do people usually flirt?"

"Do you consider yourself a flirt, or are you more reserved?"

Sujets d'écriture

Describe a time you flirted with a big life decision. What was the idea, and did you eventually commit to it?

Write about the difference between being friendly and flirting. Where do you draw the line?

Think of a character in a book or movie who is a 'flirt.' How does this trait affect their relationships?

Have you ever flirted with danger? Describe the situation and how it made you feel.

Reflect on a time someone flirted with you. Did you realize it at the time, or only later?

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

No, it is not always romantic. While its primary meaning is about attraction, it is very commonly used metaphorically to mean considering an idea or being close to a risk. For example, 'flirting with the idea of a new job' has nothing to do with romance.

Yes, 'flirt' can be a noun referring to a person who frequently flirts with others. For example, 'He is such a flirt!' It describes a personality trait or a temporary behavior.

'Flirting' is generally considered more subtle, playful, and potentially mutual. 'Hitting on' someone is often more direct, aggressive, and can sometimes be unwanted or one-sided.

This depends heavily on the workplace culture and policies. In many modern professional environments, flirting is discouraged as it can lead to misunderstandings or harassment claims. It's best to remain professional.

You use it with 'with' followed by an abstract noun. Common examples include 'flirting with disaster,' 'flirting with the idea of [something],' or 'flirting with danger.' It implies you are close to that thing but not fully in it.

It can be both. It is often neutral or positive when describing harmless social fun. However, it can be negative if it implies insincerity, unfaithfulness, or inappropriate behavior in a serious context.

It means being evasive or not telling the whole truth. It suggests that the person is playing with the facts rather than being direct and honest.

The past tense is 'flirted.' For example, 'They flirted all night at the party yesterday.'

Usually, no. It is a human behavior. However, in literature, you might see personification, like 'the leaves flirted with the wind,' but this is a creative, non-literal use.

Common adverbs include: shamelessly, outrageously, subtly, playfully, harmlessly, and constantly.

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