A stab at Meaning in English
expression
ˈeɪ/, /ə/ /ˈstæb/ /ˈæt
uh-STAB-at
æɪ/ /stˈæb/ /ˈæt
uh-STAB-at
Definition
An informal way to say an attempt or a try at doing something, especially when you are not sure if you will succeed.
Usage & Nuances
Informal and often used for new or uncertain tasks: 'have a stab at', 'give it a stab'. Sometimes heard as 'take a stab at'. Not literal—avoid using in formal writing. Not related to physical stabbing.
Spanish: un intento - una oportunidadPortuguese (BR): uma tentativa - uma chancePortuguese (PT): uma tentativa - uma oportunidadeChinese (Simplified): 尝试 - 试一试Chinese (Traditional): 嘗試 - 試一試Hindi: कोशिश - प्रयासArabic: محاولة - تجربةBengali: একটা চেষ্টা - একটা প্রচেষ্টাRussian: попыткаJapanese: 挑戦 - 試みVietnamese: thử - thử sứcKorean: 시도 - 도전Turkish: denemeUrdu: کوشش - کوشش کرناIndonesian: coba - percobaan
Example Sentences
Let me have a stab at solving this puzzle.
basic
He took a stab at cooking dinner for the first time.
basic
Do you want to have a stab at this question?
basic
She made a stab at writing a novel during her vacation.
natural
Honestly, I just wanted to give a stab at making my own website.
natural
If nobody else wants to, I'll take a stab at presenting the project.
natural