Collocations for move - noun
1. action to achieve sth; change in ideas/behaviour
ADJ.
big, important, major, radical, significant, substantial | decisive | astute, brilliant, clever, good, inspired, sensible, shrewd, smart, wise | bad | right
She wondered whether she had made the right move in telling the truth.
She wondered whether she had made the right move in telling the truth.
false, wrong
One false move could lead to war.
One false move could lead to war.
positive | bold, brave, strong | defensive | serious | dramatic, shock
(used in journalism),
(used in journalism),
surprise, unexpected
The company was put up for sale yesterday in a shock move by management.
The company was put up for sale yesterday in a shock move by management.
obvious | interesting | unusual | controversial | conciliatory | popular | gradual | rapid | new | current, present
the current move towards networked organizations
the current move towards networked organizations
latest, recent | first, initial
If he wants to see me, he should make the first move.
If he wants to see me, he should make the first move.
far-sighted | strategic, tactical | precautionary | logical | diplomatic, legal, military, political | career
Getting a job in advertising was a good career move.
Getting a job in advertising was a good career move.
VERB + MOVE
be, represent
The talks represented the first significant move towards peace.
The talks represented the first significant move towards peace.
make
The management has made no move to settle the strike.
The management has made no move to settle the strike.
prompt | initiate | signal
The new legislation signalled a move away from state involvement in telecommunications.
The new legislation signalled a move away from state involvement in telecommunications.
spearhead
The move is spearheaded by a former MP.
The move is spearheaded by a former MP.
back, encourage, support | welcome | condemn | oppose, reject, resist | consider, contemplate | decide (on)
They are waiting for the results of the opinion polls before deciding their next move.
They are waiting for the results of the opinion polls before deciding their next move.
announce
The government announced its move to ban smoking in public spaces.
The government announced its move to ban smoking in public spaces.
MOVE + VERB
take place | be afoot, be underway
Moves are afoot to increase car insurance premiums.
Moves are afoot to increase car insurance premiums.
fail | be aimed at sth, be designed to do sth
a move designed to control inflation
a move designed to control inflation
reflect sth
The move reflects a change in approach to research.
The move reflects a change in approach to research.
PREP.
in a/the ~
In a move which surprised commentators, the president sacked several cabinet ministers.
In a move which surprised commentators, the president sacked several cabinet ministers.
~ against
a move against drug dealers
a move against drug dealers
~ away from
a move away from traditional Labour policies
a move away from traditional Labour policies
~ back to
a move back to old teaching styles
a move back to old teaching styles
~ to/towards
a move towards greater trade liberalization
a move towards greater trade liberalization
PHRASES
a move in the right direction
Although the new environmental regulations are flawed, they represent a move in the right direction (= they do improve the current situation).
Although the new environmental regulations are flawed, they represent a move in the right direction (= they do improve the current situation).
2. change of place
ADJ.
false
One false move and I''ll shoot!
One false move and I''ll shoot!
sudden
VERB + MOVE
make
We should make a move (= leave) - it''s really late.
We should make a move (= leave) - it''s really late.
PREP.
~ to/towards
She made a move towards the door.
She made a move towards the door.
PHRASES
be/keep (sb/sth) on the move
His career as a petroleum engineer has kept him on the move (= kept him moving about from place to place).
His career as a petroleum engineer has kept him on the move (= kept him moving about from place to place).
every/no/one move
She made no move as the lion sniffed at the tent.
She made no move as the lion sniffed at the tent.
follow/watch sb/sth''s every move
The cubs followed their mother on the hunt, watching her every move.
The cubs followed their mother on the hunt, watching her every move.
get a move on
We''re leaving in five minutes so you''d better get a move on (= hurry)!
We''re leaving in five minutes so you''d better get a move on (= hurry)!
make a move for sth
(informal) He made a move for (= towards) the door.
(informal) He made a move for (= towards) the door.
3. change of house/job
ADJ.
permanent | sideways
His new job was a sideways move rather than a promotion.
His new job was a sideways move rather than a promotion.
house
MOVE + VERB
take place
PREP.
~ from, ~ to
a move from London to Leeds
a move from London to Leeds
4. in a board game
ADJ.
brilliant, good | bad | opening | chess
VERB + MOVE
learn
She learned all the chess moves when she was four.
She learned all the chess moves when she was four.
play
PREP.
on a/the ~
She captured the rook with her bishop on the 32nd move.
She captured the rook with her bishop on the 32nd move.