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
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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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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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