a fair crack of the whip

a fair crack of the whip

A reasonable opportunity to do something. Yes, I was fired, but I really don't think the manager gave me a fair crack of the whip—I only worked there for a week!
See also: crack, fair, of, whip
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

a fair crack of the whip

BRITISH
If you get a fair crack of the whip, you get the chance to prove how good you are at something. All I wanted was to be given a chance to prove myself and I felt I didn't get a fair crack of the whip. None of them is expecting any favours, just a fair crack of the whip. The manager gives everyone a fair crack of the whip to earn a place in the team.
See also: crack, fair, of, whip
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

a fair crack of the whip

fair treatment; a chance to participate or compete on equal terms. British informal
1989 T. M. Albert Tales of the Ulster Detective You might think that the police concocted the circumstances to deny these men a fair crack of the whip.
See also: crack, fair, of, whip
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

a fair crack of the ˈwhip

(British English, informal) a fair or reasonable opportunity to do something or to show that you can do something: I don’t think he was really given a fair crack of the whip. He only had five minutes to present his suggestions. We all got a fair crack of the whip. We can’t complain.
See also: crack, fair, of, whip
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • give (one) a fair crack of the whip
  • a fair crack at something
  • fair
  • whipping
  • want the first crack at (something)
  • a crack at (someone or something)
  • have a crack at
  • have a crack at (something)
  • have a crack at something
  • leak out
References in periodicals archive
I am not a Tory or Labour supporter but I believe everyone should be given a fair crack of the whip.
Give Boris chance to prove himself
Whether I want Mr Johnson as my next leader of the country or not I think he should at least be given a fair crack of the whip without his name being blackened.
Stop discrediting PM candidates
I don't feel Katrice was given a fair crack of the whip RICHARD LEE at river search site yesterday
My lost daughter's as important as Maddie; Katrice dad feels she was let down
Whilst I do not agree with all of them, I do respect his right to hold them and feel that he should at least be given a fair crack of the whip.
Give Corbyn a chance; Letters
I've got the ring experience, I've got the knowhow, and I really feel, despite being in Germany, I'm going to get a fair crack of the whip."
Murray: I've got the experience now; BOXING
Then it has to realise that the majority of British people do not follow any political ideology but just want a fair crack of the whip and to get on with their family lives.
Go back to basics, Labour
"I still don't agree I got a fair crack of the whip at United.
GOALDEN GRAHAM; LATEST... PREMIERSHIP LATEST...Loan star Bri vows to get back on track with Saints
But Master Leslie, a High Court official, ruled disclosure was necessary so that the woman could feel she had "a fair hearing and a fair crack of the whip".
MP's alleged victim in court victory
Yet I think Mark Venus deserved a fair crack of the whip at Boro.
Karanka is a Real odd choice!
The striker feels he wasn't given a fair crack of the whip and hopes to show Aberdeen what they're missing in today's Ramsdens Cup Final with Partick Thistle.
Michael took United affront
Keeping the horses clean, healthy and sound is so difficult and if you manage all that you're not given a fair crack of the whip as prize-money is so poor and the handicapping system is flawed.
WHAT I HATE ABOUT RACING; Racing likes and dislikes of ... dual-purpose Sussex trainer Gary Moore
The job situation in a recession is tough - but it's even tougher when certain areas of the country don't appear to be getting a fair crack of the whip.
A sense of direction; COMMENT The Huddersfield Daily Examiner
Fulham manager Chris Coleman today accused West Ham's new Icelandic chairman Eggert Magnusson of not giving manager Alan Pardew 'a fair crack of the whip'.
Coleman attacks Iceman
The 16-strong delegation, under Midlands World Trade Forum president, Peter Mathews, said: "We will push the European Commission to ensure Midlands firms get a fair crack of the whip to bid for European public procurement contracts.
Pushing for Euro contracts
He's going to get a fair crack of the whip so it's up to him to make it.
Football: Gary will be big hit; CIARAN O RAGHALLAIGH