Give something a shot


verb phrase

(Variations: crack or go or rip or ripple may replace shot) To have a try at; make an attempt: He gave the exam a good shot, but flunked it/ Let’s give it a rip. We’ve nothing to lose (entry form 1840+)

Read Also:

  • Give something a whirl

    Make a brief or experimental try, as in I’ve never made a pie but I’ll give it a whirl. [ ; late 1800s ]

  • Give something the deep six

    verb phrase To dispose definitively of; jettison; throw overboard: They gave those files the deep six [1940s+ Nautical; probably fr the six feet of a fathom, the unit for measuring depth]

  • Give thanks for small blessings

    Express gratitude for a minor favor or advantage, as in My bag didn’t get on the plane but it did arrive in time—give thanks for small blessings. This expression is usually uttered when one encounters an unexpected bit of good fortune.

  • Give the benefit of the doubt

    Regard someone as innocent until proven otherwise; lean toward a favorable view of someone. For example, Let’s give her the benefit of the doubt and assume that she’s right. [ Mid-1800s ]

  • Give the creeps

    see: the creeps


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