To attempt to hit someone or something with one's fist or an instrument in a broad, sweeping stroke. Bill didn't hear me coming up behind him, and he took a swipe at me when I touched his shoulder.Their toddler is going through a phase of taking swipes at anyone who goes near him.He stood taking swipes at the golf ball for nearly five minutes before he finally hit it.
take a swipe at someone/something
1. tv. to hit at someone or something. Max took a swipe at the cop by mistake.
2. tv. to have a try at someone or something. I will probably fail, but I’ll take a swipe at it.