have at (someone or something)

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.

2. To attempt or try to do something. Now that finals are over, I need to have at cleaning up my room.

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.

See also: have

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2015 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.

See also: have

Have at it.

Start doing it.; Start eating your food. John: Here's your hamburger. Have at it. Jane: Thanks. Where's the mustard? John: Did you notice? The driveway needs sweeping. Jane: Here's the broom. Have at it.

See also: have

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]

See also: have

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.

See also: have

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.