have at

Go to town

Have at is an invitation or command to attack, begin, or proceed with vigor.

The phrase is old-fashioned and somewhat theatrical: Have at thee, villain!

In modern use it's usually playful, giving permission to dig in: There's pizza in the kitchen—have at it.

attempt

try

Make an effort

plunge into · take on · set about · get stuck into · go after · dig into · tear into · launch into · address · approach

attack

assault

Violent offensive act

  • strikeForceful impact or stoppage
  • chargeCost or accusation
  • pummelStrike repeatedly with fists

assail · batter · ambush · onslaught · barrage · blitz · lunge · pounce · rush · tackle

eager

enthusiasm

Intense eager enjoyment

  • gustoEnthusiastic vigor
  • zealIntense driving devotion
  • vigorActive physical strength

relish · fervor · eagerness · appetite · keenness · zest · voracity · abandon · spirit · energy

Categories
Opposites
action initiation

have athesitate

Pause in uncertainty

hold back · refrain · desist · abstain · delay

aggression/attack

have atretreat

Sanctuary or withdrawal

withdraw · stand down · back off · flee · back away

Family

have, at, attend, haven, attempt, having, attain, haves, hath

Familiarity
Top 100,000
Profile
Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Everyday, not technical · Rated G