take a poke at somebody/something

take a poke at (someone or something)

1. To punch or attempt to punch someone or something. He wouldn't quit mouthing off, so I went over and took a poke at him. Jessie got so drunk that she actually took a poke at the statue on Main Street. I think she busted up her hand, too.

2. To criticize, mock, or deride someone or something. Everyone in the media like to take a poke at the president's goofy hair and eccentric persona, but he actually has very sound political ideas if you look into the details of his plans. Mary's always taking a poke at me for dating a guy 10 years younger than me, but I think she's just secretly jealous.

See also: poke, take

take a poke at

Hit with one's fist, as in If you don't quit teasing I'll take a poke at you. [Colloquial; c. 1930]

See also: poke, take

take a ˈpoke at somebody/something

(old-fashioned, American English, informal) make an unkind remark about somebody/something; laugh at somebody/something: Then he took a poke at my hair, telling me I looked like a scarecrow!

See also: poke, somebody, something, take