take a stab at

Give it a go

To take a stab at something is to attempt it, especially without much confidence or expertise: I've never fixed a carburetor, but I'll take a stab at it.

The phrase suggests a quick, possibly rough effort rather than a careful or skilled one.

You might take a stab at guessing an answer, solving a problem, or trying something new.

attempt

try

Make an effort

tackle · hazard · endeavor · undertake · have a go · give it a shot · wing it · approximate · speculate · hypothesize

initiative

volunteer

Unpaid willing participant

go first · break the ice · pioneer · spearhead · be proactive · risk it · bold move

Opposites
certainty and commitment

take a stab atguarantee

Formal promise of fulfillment

nail it · master · know inside out

engagement vs. avoidance

take a stab atgive up

Stop attempting something

walk away from · avoid · shy away from · give up on · abandon

certainty/confidence

take a stab atnail

Metal fastener or keratin plate

ace · know inside and out

Family

take, takes, taken, taking, taker, takers, stab, stabs, stabbed

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