take a 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)

1. To fire a weapon at someone or something. I took a shot at the target but didn't even come close. The officer took a shot into the air above the suspect as a warning.

2. To attempt or try something. I don't know that I'll be able to do much better, but I'll take a shot. Give me the controller—I'll take a shot at beating the boss.

See also: shot, someone, 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 take a shot at something

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.