a crack at (someone or something)

slang

1. An attempt to do something; a turn trying (to do) something. Well, I haven't fixed a motor in nearly 10 years, but I'll certainly take a crack at it. You had your chance, now let your brother have a crack at breaking the piñata. Give Sarah a crack at the equation. I bet she can solve it!

2. An attempt to get someone to do something. Let the boss have a crack at Ray—he'll get him to tell us what he knows. A: "The boss said there's no way he will authorize an increase in our budget." B: "Let me take a crack at him. Maybe I can convince him otherwise." All right, I'll take a crack at Mom. Maybe she'll let you go to the party if I go with you.

3. An attempt to best, defeat, or assault someone. Watching him smile that smug, self-important smile, I thought to myself how much I'd love to have a crack at him—one on one, with nothing but our fists! A: "This doesn't seem like any ordinary thief. He's always one step ahead of us." B: "Give me a crack at him, Chief. I think I can bring him in." She made a name for herself as one of the best racers in the world in the span of just one year. Now, every professional worth their salt wants a crack at her.