take a run at

phrase

US, informal
: to attempt to do or solve (something)
"I can't solve this math problem." "Let me take a run at it."

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Take a run at.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/take%20a%20run%20at. Accessed 6 Mar. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster