make the first move
US /meɪk ðə fɜrst muːv/
UK /meɪk ðə fɜrst muːv/

1.
to be the first to take action, especially in a social or romantic situation
:
•
Someone has to make the first move if we want to get this project started.
•
She was waiting for him to make the first move, but he never did.