Have a go at somebody
phrase
To criticize or speak angrily to someone.
My boss had a go at me for coming in late.
Often appears as...
- he had a go at me
- she had a go at him
Usage tips
Informal
Colloquial
phrase
To attempt to do something.
I didn't know if I could solve the puzzle, but I decided to have a go at it anyway.
Often appears as...
- have a go at cooking
- have a go at painting
phrase
To attack someone physically or verbally.
The angry customer had a go at the waiter.
Often appears as...
- had a go at the manager
- had a go at the referee
Usage tips
Informal, Disapproving
Colloquial
phrase
To criticize or speak angrily to someone.
My boss had a go at me for coming in late.
Often appears as...
- he had a go at me
- she had a go at him
Usage tips
Informal
Colloquial
phrase
To attempt to do something.
I didn't know if I could solve the puzzle, but I decided to have a go at it anyway.
Often appears as...
- have a go at cooking
- have a go at painting
phrase
To attack someone physically or verbally.
The angry customer had a go at the waiter.
Often appears as...
- had a go at the manager
- had a go at the referee
Usage tips
Informal, Disapproving
Colloquial
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3Negative Connotation
Used when someone is upset or annoyed, often unfairly targeting someone.
He just had a go at me for something I didn't even do!
Pro Tip 2/3Informal Context
Mostly used in casual situations, not in formal or polite conversations.
My mate had a go at me for lending his bike without asking.
Pro Tip 3/3Use with Care
Be careful not to use it when there might be a risk of escalating conflict.
Instead of having a go at your teammate, try to resolve the issue calmly.
Pro Tip 1/3Negative Connotation
Used when someone is upset or annoyed, often unfairly targeting someone.
He just had a go at me for something I didn't even do!
Pro Tip 2/3Informal Context
Mostly used in casual situations, not in formal or polite conversations.
My mate had a go at me for lending his bike without asking.
Pro Tip 3/3Use with Care
Be careful not to use it when there might be a risk of escalating conflict.
Instead of having a go at your teammate, try to resolve the issue calmly.
Pro Tip 1/3Negative Connotation
Used when someone is upset or annoyed, often unfairly targeting someone.
He just had a go at me for something I didn't even do!
Pro Tip 2/3Informal Context
Mostly used in casual situations, not in formal or polite conversations.
My mate had a go at me for lending his bike without asking.
Pro Tip 3/3Use with Care
Be careful not to use it when there might be a risk of escalating conflict.
Instead of having a go at your teammate, try to resolve the issue calmly.
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