take a swipe at
idiom
1
informal
: to direct criticism or insults toward (a particular person or group)
She took a swipe at her former company in her latest column.
2
: to try to hit (someone or something) by moving something
The batter took a swipe at the ball and missed.
Examples of take a swipe at in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
John Lennon’s love letters, on the other hand, reveal a different, earthier type of poetry — and take a swipe at Paul McCartney for good measure.
—
Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 11 June 2025
But Illinois’ last prominent statewide politician who went to federal prison, former Democratic Gov. Rod Blagojevich, held back on the chance to take a swipe at a bitter nemesis when Madigan was sentenced.
—Olivia Olander, Chicago Tribune, 14 June 2025
Harden tried to take a swipe at Gordon’s face, setting Gordon off.
—Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 26 Apr. 2025
Gordon stepped in before Harden appeared to take a swipe at Gordon.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for take a swipe at
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Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 11 June 2025
But Illinois’ last prominent statewide politician who went to federal prison, former Democratic Gov. Rod Blagojevich, held back on the chance to take a swipe at a bitter nemesis when Madigan was sentenced.
—Olivia Olander, Chicago Tribune, 14 June 2025
Harden tried to take a swipe at Gordon’s face, setting Gordon off.
—Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 26 Apr. 2025
Gordon stepped in before Harden appeared to take a swipe at Gordon.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for take a swipe at
Cite this Entry
“Take a swipe at.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/take%20a%20swipe%20at. Accessed 24 Jul. 2025.
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