Stab at Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈstæb/ /ˈæt

STAB-at

UK

stˈæb/ /ˈæt

stab-AT

Definition

A 'stab at' something is an informal way to say an attempt or try at doing something, especially if you're not sure you'll succeed.

Usage & Nuances

Common in informal speech and writing. Usually used for first or uncertain attempts ('take a stab at', 'give it a stab'). Not for physical stabbing. Avoid in formal contexts; it's used more for light, casual effort.

• Spanish: intento - intento (informal) - probar (informal)
• Portuguese (BR): tentativa - tentativa (informal) - tentar (informal)
• Portuguese (PT): tentativa - experimentar (informal)
• Chinese (Simplified): 尝试 - 试试看
• Chinese (Traditional): 嘗試 - 試試看
• Hindi: कोशिश - प्रयास (अनौपचारिक)
• Arabic: محاولة (غير رسمية) - تجربة
• Bengali: চেষ্টা
• Russian: попытка
• Japanese: 挑戦
• Vietnamese: thử
• Korean: 시도
• Turkish: deneme
• Urdu: کوشش
• Indonesian: coba

Example Sentences

Let me stab at the answer.

basic

She took a stab at cooking Italian food.

basic

This is my first stab at painting.

basic

I’m not sure, but I’ll take a stab at guessing his age.

natural

Why don’t you give it a stab at fixing the Wi-Fi?

natural

Everyone took a stab at solving the puzzle, but nobody got it right.

natural