Take a shine to somebody/something Definition 1 of 1Pro Tip 1/3Immediate Attraction The phrase expresses instant liking or interest, without taking time to form an opinion. When she saw the puppy, she took a shine to it right away. Pro Tip 2/3Positive Feeling It conveys a warm, positive emotion towards someone or something. He took a shine to that melody the moment he heard it. Pro Tip 3/3Informal Expression Used in casual situations, and might be considered too familiar in formal contexts. I could tell the coach took a shine to the new player.