jab at

jab at (someone or something)

1. verb To poke, punch, stab, or thrust at someone or something very quickly or abruptly. I couldn't believe the way the doctor was jabbing at my arm with that needle! Where did she go to med school? The boxer jabbed at his opponent and landed a hit right on his chin.

2. noun A teasing, sarcastic, or insulting remark, gibe, or criticism at someone's or something's expense. I'm really not having a jab at you. I'm just trying to give you some constructive feedback. He's really nice to me when we hang out by ourselves, but he always starts making little jabs at me when we're around his other friends. I can speak the language very well, but they still can't resist taking a jab at my accent.

See also: jab

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

jab something at someone or something

to poke someone or something with something. Tom jabbed the stick at the dog. I jabbed my fist at Walter.

See also: jab

jab at someone or something

to poke or punch at someone or something. Tom jabbed at Fred. Don't jab at the cat!

See also: jab

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