have/take a shot

do a shot

To drink a small amount of alcohol out of a shot glass. (Such a drink is commonly called a "shot.") A: "Come on, do a shot with us!" B: "No thanks, I've had enough to drink." Whew, I just did a shot of tequila, and it sure burned going down! Do a shot with you guys? No thanks, I'm not in college anymore.
See also: shot

have a shot at (someone or something)

1. To try something. A: "Do you want to try driving my car, to see how you like it?" B: "Yeah, sure, I'll have a shot at it." You had your chance, now let your brother have a shot at breaking the piñata. Well, I haven't fixed a motor in nearly 10 years, but I'll certainly have a shot at it.
2. To have a chance to achieve, attain, or have success in something. Do you really think I have a shot at winning this thing? Everyone back home said I didn't have a shot at making it in Hollywood—and here I am, acting in a sitcom! We didn't sign anyone in the offseason, so I wouldn't say we have much of a shot at success this year.
3. To criticize someone or something. Primarily heard in Australia. I had a shot at him this morning, so he already knows I'm unhappy with his proposal. It seems like everyone in the office has had a shot at me over the mistake. I feel a little bad for having a shot at him like that, but what he said was just too dumb to let slide.
See also: have, shot

take a shot

To drink a small amount of alcohol out of a shot glass. (Such a drink is commonly called a "shot.") A: "Come on, take a shot with us!" B: "No thanks, I've had enough to drink."
See also: shot, take

take a shot at (someone or something)

To criticize someone or something very harshly; to verbally attack someone, especially in a belittling or demeaning way. I feel bad for taking a shot at his like that, but it was just so dumb that I couldn't resist saying something. I feel like you've been taking shots at me all day—what's your problem? He's not known for his civility, and he's not afraid to take a shot when someone annoys him.
See also: shot, take
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

have/take a ˈshot (at something/at doing something)

(also give something a ˈshot) (informal) try to do something: We all had a shot at solving the riddle.I don’t know if I’ll be any good at editing the newsletter, but I’ll give it a shot.
See also: have, shot, take
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017

take a shot

verb
See also: shot, take
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions Copyright © 2006 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.
See also:
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