Take a stab at Meaning in English
expression
ˈteɪk/ /ˈeɪ/, /ə/ /ˈstæb/ /ˈæt
TAYK-uh-STAB-at
tˈeɪk/ /æɪ/ /stˈæb/ /ˈæt
TAYK-uh-STAB-at
Definition
To try something, usually when you are not sure if you will succeed or don't have much experience with it.
Usage & Nuances
Informal, friendly idiom; often used when encouraging someone to try or admitting lack of expertise. Synonyms: 'give it a shot', 'give it a try'. Used with activities, problem-solving, or guesses; not used for physical stabs.
Spanish: intentar - probar suerte - darle una oportunidadPortuguese (BR): tentar - arriscar - tentar a sortePortuguese (PT): tentar - experimentar - dar uma oportunidadeChinese (Simplified): 尝试 - 试一试Chinese (Traditional): 嘗試 - 試一下Hindi: कोशिश करना - प्रयास करनाArabic: محاولة - تجربةBengali: চেষ্টা করা - একবার চেষ্টা করাRussian: попробовать - попытатьсяJapanese: やってみる - 試してみるVietnamese: thử - thử sứcKorean: 한번 해보다 - 시도하다Turkish: şansını denemek - bir deneme yapmakUrdu: کوشش کرنا - آزماناIndonesian: mencoba - mencoba peruntungan
Example Sentences
Can I take a stab at this question?
basic
She decided to take a stab at baking a cake.
basic
Let me take a stab at fixing your computer.
basic
I've never played chess before, but I'll take a stab at it.
natural
Why don't you take a stab at guessing his age?
natural
I'm not sure how to solve this, but I'll take a stab at it.
natural