be on the maketo be trying to get money or power – used in order to show disapproval
[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲
on the make adj.,
slang 1. Promiscuous or aggressive in one's sexual advances.
I can't stand Murray; he's always on the make. 2. Pushing to get ahead in one's career; doing anything to succeed.
The new department head is a young man on the make, who expects to be company president in ten years. [TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲