Take a whack at Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈteɪk/ /ˈeɪ/, /ə/ /ˈhwæk/, /ˈwæk/ /ˈæt

TAYK uh WAK at

UK

tˈeɪk/ /æɪ/ /wˈæk/ /ˈæt

TAYK WAK at

Definition

To try doing something, even if you are not sure you'll succeed; to give something a go.

Usage & Nuances

Informal, often used when approaching a new or uncertain task. It carries a casual, sometimes playful tone. Common in North American English. Synonyms: 'give it a try', 'have a go at'. Avoid in very formal contexts.

• Spanish: intentar - probar suerte - darle una oportunidad
• Portuguese (BR): tentar - tentar a sorte - tentar fazer
• Portuguese (PT): tentar - experimentar - dar uma hipótese
• Chinese (Simplified): 试一试 - 尝试
• Chinese (Traditional): 試一試 - 嘗試
• Hindi: कोशिश करना - कोशिश में लगना
• Arabic: يحاول - يجرب حظه
• Bengali: চেষ্টা করা - একটা ঝুঁকি নেওয়া
• Russian: попробовать - попытаться
• Japanese: やってみる - 挑戦する
• Vietnamese: thử làm - thử sức
• Korean: 한번 해보다 - 시도하다
• Turkish: denemek - şansını denemek
• Urdu: کوشش کرنا - آزمانا
• Indonesian: mencoba - mencoba mengerjakan

Example Sentences

Let me take a whack at fixing the printer.

basic

Do you want to take a whack at this puzzle?

basic

I’ve never cooked this before, but I’ll take a whack at it.

basic

I have no idea how to play chess, but I'm willing to take a whack at it.

natural

If you can’t open the jar, let me take a whack at it.

natural

The project looks tough, but let’s take a whack at it together.

natural