have a go at someone
have a go (at someone or something)
1. To attempt to do or undertake something, especially that which is unfamiliar or new. I know a lot of this work is new to you, but just have a go and let me know if you have any questions. I'm having a go at doing my own taxes this year to save on the cost of hiring an accountant. I don't know if I can do it, but, sure, I'll have a go.
2. To physically attack someone. Watch out for that bull in the back field—he'll have a go at you if you get too close. There were a couple of drunkards having a go outside our local pub last night.
3. To criticize, berate, or verbally harass someone at length and/or with great intensity. My wife had a go at me last night for coming home drunk again. My parents were always having a go when I was a kid—it's no wonder they got divorced.
See also: go, have, someone
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
have a go at someone
mainly BRITISH, INFORMALCOMMON
1. If you have a go at someone, you criticize them strongly, often without good reason. I was angry because I figured she was just having a go at me for the sake of it. I've had a long day, I'm exhausted and fed up and you have a go at me as soon as I walk in the door.
2. If you have a go at someone, you attack them physically. The police had to stop the crowd from having a go at him.
See also: go, have, someone
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.
- have a go
- have a go (at someone or something)
- have a go at
- a go (at someone or something)
- a new kid on the block
- a/the new kid on the block
- new kid on the block
- absorb (someone or something) in(to) (something)
- bear in mind
- bear something in mind