take a pop at someone

take a pop at (someone or something)

1. To punch or attempt to strike someone or something. Primarily heard in UK. He wouldn't quit mouthing off, so I went over and took a pop at him. Jessie got so drunk that she actually took a pop at the statue on Main Street. I think she busted up her hand, too.
2. To criticize, mock, or deride someone or something. Primarily heard in UK. Everyone in the media likes to take pops at the senator's eccentric personality, but he actually has very sound political ideas. Mary's always taking a pop at me for dating a guy 10 years younger than me, but I think she's just secretly jealous.
3. To make an attempt at some activity. A: "Do you want to try driving my car, to see how you like it?" B: "Yeah, sure, I'll take a pop at it." Here is the math problem. Anyone want to take a pop at it?
See also: pop, take
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

take a pop at someone

or

have a pop at someone

BRITISH, JOURNALISM, INFORMAL
If you take a pop at another person or have a pop at them, you hit them. Andy was just having a quiet drink with some of his pals when this guy took a pop at him. I had been in my fair share of fights at school but the more successful I was on the cricket field, the more these guys wanted to have a pop at me.
See also: pop, someone, take
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

take a pop at someone

tv. to punch at someone. The drunk took a pop at the cop—which was the wrong thing to do.
See also: pop, someone, take
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions
See also:
  • take a pop at
  • take a pop at (someone or something)
  • take a pop at someone/something
  • take a punch at (someone or something)
  • take a poke at
  • take a poke at (someone or something)
  • take a poke at somebody/something
  • take a poke at someone
  • bop
  • land a punch