aim

aim at (someone or something)

1. To point or guide an object, such as a weapon, at a target. Make sure you aim at the target before you pull the trigger. His water balloon is aimed at you! Run!
2. To target a particular issue or goal. The new program is aimed at helping struggling students get the tutoring they need to succeed in class.
3. To direct something at a specific person or group. I could tell that his rude remarks were aimed at me even though he did not mention my name. The studio's ad campaign is aiming at teenagers, but I think the movie is too violent for a young audience.
See also: aim

aim for

1. To point or guide an object, such as a weapon, at a target. Make sure you aim for the target before you pull the trigger. His water balloon is aimed for you! Run!
2. To strive to accomplish a particular goal. After studying all weekend, Amanda is aiming for a perfect score on her history exam.
See also: aim

aim for the sky

To set one's goals or ambitions very high; to try to attain or achieve something particularly difficult. My parents always taught me to aim for the sky when I was growing up—that I could be anything I set my mind to! With all that money, you could do whatever you want. Aim for the sky, kiddo!
See also: aim, sky

aim for the stars

Don't limit yourself—aspire to achieve greatness, even if it seems impossible or impractical. When choosing a career path, don't settle—aim for the stars!
See also: aim, star

aim to

To strive or plan to do something. I aim to be the best customer service representative I can be. I'm aiming to win Holly's heart—she is just the prettiest girl in the whole town.
See also: aim

aim to (do something)

To intend, plan, or mean to do something. I didn't aim to offend him, but judging by the look on his face, I must have.
See also: aim

reach for the sky

1. To set one's goals or ambitions very high; to try to attain or achieve something particularly difficult. My parents always taught me to reach for the sky when I was growing up—that I could be anything I set my mind to! With all that money, you could do whatever you want. Reach for the sky, kiddo!
2. A command for one to put one's hands up in a show of surrender, as during a robbery or an arrest. Reach for the sky, MacAfee, we've got you surrounded!
See also: reach, sky

take aim (at someone or something

1. To aim one's projectile weapon at someone or something. The sniper took aim and fired off a single shot, killing the suspect instantly. He had just begun to take aim at the deer when the sound of a car horn scared it away.
2. To direct severe criticism or scorn at someone or something. The president took aim at the Russian president during her speech. You really need to double-check your sources before you take aim like that in the future.
See also: aim, someone, something, take

we aim to please

cliché Your satisfaction as a customer is the main priority of our business. Often used humorously, sarcastically, or satirically (in which case "we" can be replaced with a different pronoun). You can be sure to great service every time, because here at Donovan & Son, we aim to please. A: "Wow. Thanks for doing, like, the bare minimum of what I asked." B: "Hey, I aim to please."
See also: aim, please, we
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

aim for something

 and aim at something
to strive toward a particular goal; to direct oneself or one's energies toward something. You should aim for success. Aim at getting this done on time.
See also: aim

Aim for the stars!

 and Reach for the stars!
Aspire to something!; Set one's goals high! Aim for the stars, son! Don't settle for second best. Set your sights high. Reach for the stars!
See also: aim

aim something at someone or something

to point or direct something at someone or something. Wally aimed the hose at Sarah and tried to soak her.
See also: aim

aim to do something

Rur. to intend to do something. I didn't aim to hurt your feelings, sugar, you know I didn't.
See also: aim

reach for the sky

 
1. and aim for the sky; shoot for the sky Fig. to set one's sights high. Reach for the sky! Go for it! You should always reach for the sky, but be prepared for not attaining your goals every time.
2. Fig. Inf. to put one's hands up, as in a burglary. The gunman told the bank teller to reach for the sky. Reach for the sky and give me all your money!
See also: reach, sky

take aim at someone or something

Fig. to prepare to deal with someone or something; to focus on someone or something. (Based on take aim (at someone, something, or an animal).) Now we have to take aim at the problem and try to get it solved. The critics took aim at the star of the musical and tore her to pieces.
See also: aim, take

take aim (at someone, something, or an animal)

to aim [something] at someone, something, or an animal. The hunter took aim at the deer and pulled the trigger. You must take aim carefully before you shoot.
See also: aim, take

We aim to please.

Fig. We try hard to please you. (Usually a commercial slogan, but can be said in jest by one person, often in response to Thank you.) Mary: This meal is absolutely delicious! Waiter: We aim to please. Tom: Well, Sue, here's the laundry detergent you wanted from the store. Sue: Oh, thanks loads. You saved me a trip. Tom: We aim to please.
See also: aim, please, we
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

aim to

Try or intend to do something, as in We aim to please, or She aims to fly to California. This term derives from aim in the sense of "direct the course of something," such as an arrow or bullet. [Colloquial; c. 1600]
See also: aim

reach for the sky

1. Set very high goals, aspire to the best, as in I'm sure they'll make you a partner, so reach for the sky. The sky here stands for high aspirations. Also see sky's the limit.
2. Put your hands up high, as in One robber held the teller at gunpoint, shouting " Reach for the sky!" This usage is always put as an imperative. [Slang; mid-1900s]
See also: reach, sky

take aim

Direct a missile or criticism at something or someone, as in Raising his rifle, Chet took aim at the squirrel but missed it entirely, or In his last speech the President took aim at the opposition leader. [Late 1500s]
See also: aim, take
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

reach for the sky

If you reach for the sky, you are ambitious and try hard to achieve something very difficult. You have inspired our students and helped them to reach for the sky.
See also: reach, sky
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

take ˈaim at somebody/something

(American English) direct your criticism at or your attention to somebody/something: The unions are taking aim at the government. Several retail giants have now decided to take aim at the youth market.
See also: aim, somebody, something, take
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

aim at

v.
1. To point or direct something at someone or something: The archers drew back their arrows and aimed at the target.
2. To intend something for some purpose. Often used in the passive: We aimed our discussion at a solution to the financial problems. The new computer classes are aimed at teaching how computers work.
3. To be intended to achieve something: This new program aims at raising awareness about privacy issues.
4. To do or say something intended to affect someone or something. Used chiefly in the passive: Their sarcasm was aimed directly at me. The antismoking campaign was aimed at teenagers.
See also: aim
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs.

aim for the sky

and reach for the sky and shoot for the sky
in. to aspire to something; to set one’s goals high. (See a different sense at reach for the sky.) Shoot for the sky, son. Don’t settle for second best. Don’t settle for less. Reach for the sky!
See also: aim, sky

reach for the sky

verb
See aim for the sky
See also: reach, sky

reach for the sky

1. Go to aim for the sky.
2. in. (a command) to put one’s hands up, as in a robbery. The bank teller reached for the sky without having to be told.
See also: reach, sky
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions

take aim

1. To aim a weapon or object to be propelled.
2. To direct criticism or one's attention at something.
See also: aim, take
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition.
See also:
  • aim at
  • aim at (someone or something)
  • aim for
  • Target run
  • be shooting for the same target
  • get hit on
  • knock the spots off, to
  • converge
  • converge (up)on (someone or something)
  • converge on
References in periodicals archive
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HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS SAVE TIME AND COSTS WITH NEW INTEGRATED PRODUCT FROM AIM SPECIALTY HEALTH
The Second Dev Forum: Disaster Risk and Crisis Management 2018 was held to complement the upcoming Executive Master in Disaster Risk and Crisis Management of AIM. Slots are still open for the June 2019 intake.
AIM, ASSIST hold forum on Disaster Risk Management
The study said there was 40 new entrants to AIM in the past 12 months, while 100 companies exited the market, compared to 70 new listings and 100 de-listings in 2014/15.
Alternative investment shrinking post-Brexit
He also lauded Bank Alfalah management for its strong focus on human capital development.With 75 Years of Leadership and Management history in Asia-Pacific, Australian Institute of Management (AIM) is uniquely positioned to support learners' needs to facilitate their growth through training, networking, mentoring and providing access to world class thought leadership.
Bank Alfalah teams up with AIM for professional development training
'We would like to benefit from the strong e-learning culture and Learning Management System of AIM and further expand in terms of strategic benefits of mutually held seminars, talks and burning issues in the World of Finance, which is part of our vision', Bajwa added.
AIM to impart training programmes
Aim Exploration operates as a junior mining company.
AIM Exploration plans to acquire Silica properties of Crystal Sands in US
Advisors from his close circles claimed that the aim of the Dec.
'Aim of operations'
"There are also some encouraging signs regarding profitability, however, some AIM companies may need to take care not to get caught out by the current economic uncertainty.
Firms listed on AIM upbeat about 2012
Most importantly, on June 6, 2008, SCAQMD adopted an AIM coatings fee regulation--Rule 314--which imposes a fee to cover the cost of the current and future "enhanced" AIM enforcement program.
U.S. efforts underway to regulate AIM VOC
According to Baker Tilly's 14th annual Taking AIM survey, almost two thirds of companies and four-fifths of institutional investors said that they expect to see continued market consolidation in 2009.
M&A jump drives AIM
A USD75m senior secured facility with AIM SOP Phase I LP, a wholly owned subsidiary of AIM Powergen Corporation (AIM), has been announced by Fortis Merchant Banking (Euronext Amsterdam: FORA / Brussels: FORB).
Fortis Merchant Banking Announces Financing Facility for AIM
The appeal of the London Stock Exchange's Alternative Investment Market, known as AIM, as a destination for emerging growth companies, has been a popular topic recently.
Considering listing on AIM? Consider risks & rewards: London's Alternative Investment Market has been successful in drawing companies, with more than 1,680 currently listed. U.S. companies seeking escape from the more restrictive and regulated U.S. exchanges need to scrutinize both the pros and cons of an AIM listing
Google said Gmail users can now chat with their AIM buddies inside Gmail, by clicking on the upside-down triangle next to 'set status here' in Gmail chat and selecting 'Sign into AIM' from the drop down menu.
Google introduces new AIM feature to Gmail
TELECOMWORLDWIRE-5 December 2007-Google introduces new AIM feature to Gmail(C)1994-2007 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD http://www.m2.com
Google introduces new AIM feature to Gmail