Phrase guide

have a go

verb · 4 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

verb

Meaning 1

To make an attempt; to try.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: Australia, UK, informal, intransitive

Examples

  • I've never tried karate before, but I'm willing to have a go.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To attack someone physically; to have a fight.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: Australia, UK, idiomatic, informal, intransitive

Examples

  • I heard you had a go at Jack the other night.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

verb

Meaning 3

To tell off (especially unnecessarily or excessively), to criticise.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: Australia, UK, idiomatic, informal, intransitive

Examples

  • My teacher had a go at me earlier, just for missing one sodding homework. I was fuming.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

4

verb

Meaning 4

make an attempt at something

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • I never sat on a horse before but I'll give it a go

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: give it a try

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: try, seek, attempt, essay, assay

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

10 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Polish: próbować szczęścia — (intransitive) to make an attempt; to try
  • Polish: próbować swoich sił — (intransitive) to make an attempt; to try
  • Russian: пыта́ться (pytátʹsja) — (intransitive) to make an attempt; to try
  • Spanish: probar — (intransitive) to make an attempt; to try
  • Spanish: intentar — (intransitive) to make an attempt; to try
  • Turkish: şansını denemek — (intransitive) to make an attempt; to try
  • Russian: задираться (zadiratʹsja) — to attack or criticize
  • Russian: цапаться (capatʹsja) — to attack or criticize
  • Russian: придираться (pridiratʹsja) — (idiomatic, intransitive) to shout at or tell off unnecessarily or excessively
  • Russian: песочить (pesočitʹ) — (idiomatic, intransitive) to shout at or tell off unnecessarily or excessively