take a jab at

take a jab at (someone or something)

To make a mocking, sarcastic, insulting remark or criticism at someone's or something's expense. The senator continued taking jabs at his opponent's record throughout the debate. I'm really not trying to take a jab at you. I'm just trying to give you some constructive feedback. I can speak the language very well, but they still can't resist taking a jab at my accent.

See also: jab, take

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

take a jab at someone

 and take a punch at someone 

1. to hit at someone; to poke someone. Max took a jab at Lefty and missed. Lefty took a punch at Max.

2. Go to take a dig at someone.

See also: jab, take

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.