take a stab at (sth)
Meaning(s)
1. attempt or try
Popularity
High
Professional
High
Social
How to Memorize
take a stab at the answer/fixing a problem
Analysis
To 'take a stab at something' means to make an attempt to try to do something usually without much experience or knowledge. To 'take a stab' at something is similar in meaning to 'give it a go' or 'give something a try'. This is a casual expression used more often in informal contexts.
Social Examples (Basic)
- When the car wouldn't start, I took a stab at trying to fix the problem. However, I didn't get anywhere with it so I called a mechanic.
- In the exam, one of the questions was on a topic that I hadn't studied, so I had to take a stab at the answer.
Professional Examples (Advance)
- I really feel that I have the public speaking skills and expertise to make a great sales pitch, so does anyone mind me taking a stab at it?
- We don't have the budget to hire an events organiser, would anyone here like to take a stab at it? We can pay overtime for the extra work.