take a run at

Verb

take a run at (third-person singular simple present takes a run at, present participle taking a run at, simple past took a run at, past participle taken a run at)

1. (idiomatic, transitive) To attempt to achieve or acquire.
   • "No one else has achieved the right knit of polyester Dacron fibers—lots of mills have taken a run at it."1989 November 26, Deborah Hofmann, “Fashion: Fluffy Outerwear Invades City Streets”, in New York Times, retrieved 24 Sep 2012
   • Cisco Chief Executive Officer John Chambers has scarcely hid the fact that his company is actively eyeing a number of acquisitions. At a luncheon in Toronto he felt compelled to deny recent speculation that Cisco would take a run at Canada's Nortel Networks.2001 October 3, “Faces In The News”, in forbes.com, retrieved 24 Sep 2012

   Synonyms:

   have a go at, take a stab at

2. (idiomatic, transitive) To attack or challenge or to try to attack or challenge.
   • Like a tall dog who attacks a bear to remind himself he is still a tall dog, Ted Turner took a run at Rupert Murdoch last week.1998 March 22, Robert Lipsyte, “Backtalk: New Sign Of Spring—Murdoch”, in New York Times, retrieved 24 Sep 2012
   • Only one guy was brave enough to take a run at Tiger Woods at the British Open yesterday. . . . DiMarco finished two shots behind Woods.2006 July 24, Hank Gola, "Dimarco Eases Own Pain Eases Own Pain," New York Daily News (retrieved 24 2012)

   Synonyms:

   have a go at