swipe at

swipe at (someone or something)

To try to hit someone or something with a wide, arcing blow or stroke. It has me worried the way their toddler swipes at anyone who tries to approach him to say hello. The drunkard swiped at the security guard and collapsed in a heap on the pavement. He sat swiping at the golf ball for nearly five minutes before he finally hit it.
See also: swipe
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

swipe at

v.
1. To attempt to hit someone or something with a sweeping stroke: The cat swiped at the string. The hockey player swiped at the puck.
2. To attack someone verbally; criticize someone sharply: The candidate took every opportunity to swipe at her opponent.
See also: swipe
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • swipe
  • swipe at (someone or something)
  • a dog in the manger
  • dog in the manger
  • hit at
  • hit at (someone or something)
  • cooperate with
  • cooperate with (someone or something)
  • make a dive
  • make a dive (for someone or something)
References in periodicals archive
After a user accesses the notification panel with a single finger swipe at the top of the screen, he or she can access the full toggle menu by tapping the boxes icon located in the upper right corner of of the Galaxy S4's screen next to the cog icon for settings.
o an swipe JPayTag From today, 23million Barclaycard holders will be able to get their hands on the sliver of plastic and use it to swipe at special terminals for bills up to pounds 15.
PRINCE Edward appeared to lose his temper with an unruly gundog yesterday - apparently taking a swipe at it with his walking stick.
SIR Paul McCartney has taken a thinly-veiled swipe at his ex Heather Mills for being a publicity-seeker.
HOLLYWOOD beauty Hilary Duff has taken a swipe at Britney Spears and Jessica Simpson, saying she dreads growing up to be like them.
CHEEKY Sinead O'Connor proved she's back with a vengeance after making a swipe at columnist Kevin Myers.