have at (someone or something)
1. To strike or attack someone or something. The two boys had at each other until the teacher arrived to break up the fight. Jacob had at the man with a series of blows to his face. Your hands are all bruised up because you had at an obnoxious drunk guy at the bar last night.
2. To attempt or try to do something. Now that finals are over, I need to have at cleaning up my room. You drive a stick, right? Can I have at it one of these days? I'd like to learn. Let me have at beating the boss on this level—I bet I can do it!
3. To do something with energy and enthusiasm. It didn't take long for the kids to have at the cupcakes I'd set out. If you want to paint, have at it! All the supplies are still out. OK, interns, here's all the paperwork that needs to be filed by the end of the day. Have at it!
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
have at someone
to go at someone; to attack someone. The boys had at the gang members and gave them a beating. I just knew John was going to have at Fred.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
have at
Attack; also, make an attempt at. For example, Urging the dog on, he said, " Go on, Rover, have at him," or It's time to have at straightening out these files. [Late 1300s]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
have at
v. To engage something in a vigorous, enthusiastic, or aggressive way: Here's the work you need to do, so have at it! The dog really had at the bones that were left in the garbage. The teacher took me aside and had at me for my bad behavior.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs. Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.