take a whack at someone/something

take a whack at (someone or something)

1. To hit or attempt to hit someone or something with one's fist or some kind of instrument. I took a whack at him for making such a lewd suggestion. Try taking a whack at it—that usually gets the motor running again.
2. To attempt (to do) something; to take a turn trying (to do) something. Well, I haven't fixed a motor in nearly 10 years, but I'll certainly take a whack at it. You had your chance trying to break the piñata, now let your sister take a whack at it.
See also: take, whack
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

take a whack at someone/something

tv. to hit at someone or something. Jerry got an ax and took a whack at the tree but didn’t do much damage.
See also: someone, something, take, whack
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions
See also:
  • take a whack at (someone or something)
  • take a whack at something
  • hit with (something)
  • hit (up)on (something)
  • hit on
  • hit on something
  • hit back
  • hit back (at someone or something)
  • hit someone up for something
  • hit your straps