Takes a swipe
/teɪks ə swaɪp/
verb phraseB2third person singular present tense
Definition
The phrase "takes a swipe" means to make a quick or sudden attempt to hit something physically or to criticize someone with words. It is often used when someone tries to attack or say something negative about another person or idea, sometimes without being direct.
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See It in Action
To try to hit someone or something quickly with a hand or object
- •He takes a swipe at the ball but misses.
- •The cat took a swipe at the dog with its paw.
- •She took a swipe at the flying insect to catch it.
To criticize or attack someone with words, often indirectly
- •The politician took a swipe at his opponent during the debate.
- •She took a swipe at the company’s policies in her speech.
- •He took a swipe at the new rules, saying they were unfair.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "takes a swipe" like "hit" (A1 word), but quicker and less strong—like a fast movement with a hand or words
- ✓Picture someone moving their hand quickly sideways as if trying to touch or hit something just once
- ✓It's the feeling when someone says a sharp comment to hurt feelings or make a point without a full argument
- ✓Sounds like "swipe" → imagine swiping on a phone screen quickly, like a fast, light action
- ✓Think of cartoons where a character takes a quick swipe with a stick or sword to scare or annoy another
- ✓NOT like "punch" (strong, direct hit), "takes a swipe" is usually lighter or less forceful
- ✓NOT like "praise" (positive words), "takes a swipe" means to criticize or attack
- ✓NOT like "stare" (look), it involves action—either physical or verbal
Try Other Words
- •Attack: to try to hurt or criticize (Use when the action or words are stronger or more serious)
- •Criticize: to say what is wrong or bad (Use when focusing on words, not physical action)
- •Strike: to hit something (Use in formal or physical hitting contexts)
- •Jab: to hit quickly and lightly (Use when emphasizing quick, small physical hits)
Unboxing
- •Phrase parts: "takes" (third person of "take" meaning to do or perform) + "a swipe" ("swipe" means a quick, sideways hit or movement)
- •Etymology: "Swipe" comes from Old English "swipian," meaning to sweep or swing quickly
- •Historical development: "Take a swipe" started as a physical action phrase, later extended to mean a quick verbal attack
- •Modern usage: Used in both physical and verbal contexts to describe a quick attempt to hit or criticize
Reflect & Connect
•When is it better to "take a swipe" with words rather than say something directly?
•Can "taking a swipe" be helpful or only harmful in conversations and actions?
Fill in the blanks
1.He takes a swipe at the ball, but it ___ the bat completely.
2.When she takes a swipe at someone’s ideas, she usually means to ___ them.
3.The boxer takes a swipe ___ his opponent’s face in the first round.
4.Politicians often take a swipe ___ their rivals during debates.
5.If you take a swipe too hard, you might ___ your target.
6.Taking a swipe with words can sometimes start a ___ between people.
7.She took a swipe ___ the new rules, saying they were unfair and confusing.