English idiom

have a crack at

Register · Informal CEFR B2

Post

Figurative meaning

to make an attempt at doing something

Why this phrase?

'Crack' here means an attempt, not breaking something.

Example

“I'll have a crack at the crossword puzzle.”

Dictionary details

Tags

effort

Expressions connected by reviewed component words or topic tags.

give someone a run for their money

to compete nearly as well as a much stronger opponent, forcing them to work hard for victory

go the extra mile

To make more effort than is expected or required.

have a go

to make an attempt at doing something

all in a day's work

a task treated as routine because it belongs to someone's normal duties

back to square one

to return to the beginning of a task after an attempt has failed

bend over backwards

To try extremely hard to help or please someone.

Source methodology

Meanings, register, CEFR, and examples come from the reviewed dictionary record. Expression notes may describe a reviewed present-day word picture or a background note; they are not presented as verified etymology.

External links

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