a shot at (someone or something)
a shot at (someone or something)
1. An attempt at some task or activity. 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." I want to take a shot at working for myself.
2. A chance or opportunity to do or attempt something. You had your chance, now let your brother have a shot at breaking the piñata. Give Sarah a shot at the equation. I bet she can solve it!
3. An attempt to deal with someone in some way, as by teaching, persuading, or obtaining information from them. Let me have a shot at him—I'll get the information we need. A: "The boss said there's no way he will authorize an increase in our budget." B: "Let me take a shot at him. Maybe I can convince him otherwise."
4. A chance to achieve, attain, or have success in something. Do you really think I have a shot at winning this thing?
5. A harsh or unfair criticism, belittlement, or verbal attack. I feel a little bad for having a shot at him like that, but what he said was just too dumb to let slide. Martha keeps taking shots at me whenever the boss is around. I think she's trying to ruin my chances of getting that promotion.
6. An attempt to best, defeat, or assault someone. Watching him smile that smug, self-important smile, I thought to myself how much I'd love to have a shot at him—one on one, with nothing but our fists! A: "This doesn't seem like any ordinary thief. He's always one step ahead of us." B: "Give me a shot at him, Chief. I think I can bring him in." She made a name for herself as one of the best racers in the world in the span of just one year. Now, every professional worth their salt wants a shot at her.
See also: shot
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
- keep (one's) socks on
- bawangos
- (that) sounds like a plan
- (that) sounds good
- (Do) you feel (me)?
- be doing well
- any more for any more
- a new one (on me)
- a new one on
- a new one on me