Take a shot at Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈteɪk/ /ˈeɪ/, /ə/ /ˈʃɑt/ /ˈæt

TAYK uh SHAWT at

UK

tˈeɪk/ /æɪ/ /ʃˈɒt/ /ˈæt

TAYK uh SHOT at

Definition

To try to do something, often when you are not sure if you will succeed. It can also mean to attempt something for the first time.

Usage & Nuances

Informal and very common in speech. Often used for new experiences, or when the outcome is uncertain. Similar to 'give it a try' or 'have a go.' Sometimes also used humorously or when risk is involved.

• Spanish: intentarlo - probar
• Portuguese (BR): tentar - experimentar
• Portuguese (PT): tentar - experimentar
• Chinese (Simplified): 尝试 - 试一试
• Chinese (Traditional): 嘗試 - 試一試
• Hindi: कोशिश करना - प्रयास करना
• Arabic: يحاول - يجرب
• Bengali: চেষ্টা করা - একটা প্রচেষ্টা নেওয়া
• Russian: попробовать - попытаться
• Japanese: 挑戦する - 試してみる
• Vietnamese: thử - thử sức
• Korean: 도전하다 - 한번 해보다
• Turkish: denemek - şansını denemek
• Urdu: کوشش کرنا - آزمانا
• Indonesian: mencoba - mencoba peruntungan

Example Sentences

I want to take a shot at painting this weekend.

basic

She decided to take a shot at cooking a new recipe.

basic

Can I take a shot at answering that question?

basic

I've never played chess, but I'll take a shot at it.

natural

If you're not sure, just take a shot at it and see what happens.

natural

Mind if I take a shot at fixing your computer?

natural