The cop stared at Max and tried to make him, but failed to identify him and let him go.The cops took Bruno downtown, where the police chief made him for the third time in a month.
make (one)
To identify one as a criminal or wrongdoer. Often used in passive constructions. You made sure nobody could make you while you stole the documents, right?By the time I realized I had been made, I could already hear the police sirens coming toward me.
make someone
tv. to identify someone. The cop stared at Bart and tried to make him, but failed to identify him and let him go.