Take a poke at somebody/something
verb phrase
To criticize or mock someone or something in a gentle way.
He always likes to take a poke at his younger brother's fashion sense.
Often appears as...
- take a poke at someone's idea
- take a poke at one's ability
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
verb phrase
To try or attempt something particularly new or unfamiliar.
Why not take a poke at learning a new language?
Often appears as...
- take a poke at a challenge
- take a poke at a new job
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb phrase
To criticize or mock someone or something in a gentle way.
He always likes to take a poke at his younger brother's fashion sense.
Often appears as...
- take a poke at someone's idea
- take a poke at one's ability
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
verb phrase
To try or attempt something particularly new or unfamiliar.
Why not take a poke at learning a new language?
Often appears as...
- take a poke at a challenge
- take a poke at a new job
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Gentle Teasing
Use it when teasing or joking with friends, showing affection rather than hurting feelings.
I couldn't resist taking a poke at his new haircut.
Pro Tip 2/3Friendly Tone
Ensure your tone matches the light-hearted intent to avoid being mistaken for serious criticism.
She took a poke at my baking skills, but I knew she was just playing around.
Pro Tip 3/3Cultural Sensitivity
Be mindful of cultural differences; humor can be interpreted differently across cultures.
When I took a poke at his dialect, he didn't find it amusing at all.
Pro Tip 1/3Gentle Teasing
Use it when teasing or joking with friends, showing affection rather than hurting feelings.
I couldn't resist taking a poke at his new haircut.
Pro Tip 2/3Friendly Tone
Ensure your tone matches the light-hearted intent to avoid being mistaken for serious criticism.
She took a poke at my baking skills, but I knew she was just playing around.
Pro Tip 3/3Cultural Sensitivity
Be mindful of cultural differences; humor can be interpreted differently across cultures.
When I took a poke at his dialect, he didn't find it amusing at all.
Pro Tip 1/3Gentle Teasing
Use it when teasing or joking with friends, showing affection rather than hurting feelings.
I couldn't resist taking a poke at his new haircut.
Pro Tip 2/3Friendly Tone
Ensure your tone matches the light-hearted intent to avoid being mistaken for serious criticism.
She took a poke at my baking skills, but I knew she was just playing around.
Pro Tip 3/3Cultural Sensitivity
Be mindful of cultural differences; humor can be interpreted differently across cultures.
When I took a poke at his dialect, he didn't find it amusing at all.
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