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Glite Dictionary
to give it a whirl

to give it a whirl

8 5.8
To try something for the first time to see if it works
  • phrasal verb
  • Informal
translation icon : intentar
  • But if you are willing to give it a whirl, I promise you won't be disappointed.
  • Let's give it a whirl
  • Want to give it a whirl
  • say, give it a whirl

I don't know if you remember this, but let's give it a whirl.

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Examples

Synonyms

to try
vsto give it a whirl
∞ 1.0

To test something to see if it works

is more about a simple attempt to see if it works for you personally
to try out
vsto give it a whirl
229 2.8

To test something to see how it works

is a quick personal attempt focused on seeing if an action succeeds
to give it a try
vsto give it a whirl
102 1.7

Try something for the first time to see if you like it

is an informal trial focused on first attempts rather than formal testing
to take a shot at
vsto give it a whirl
  • Informal
45 3.7

To try to do something even when success is uncertain

is a light, exploratory attempt aimed at seeing if it works
to have a go
vsto give it a whirl
  • UK
33 4.3

Try doing something, often for the first time

focuses on trying to test feasibility rather than formal evaluation
to take a crack at
vsto give it a whirl
  • Informal
16 4.9

To try to do something, often for the first time

is an informal experiment to test whether the action works or fits you
to trial
vsto give it a whirl
12 3.3

To test something to see how well it works

is a casual first attempt aimed at seeing if it works at all
to have a go at
vsto give it a whirl
  • UK
11 3.4

To try doing something you have not done before

is about attempting to see if it works rather than practicing extensively
to take a stab at
vsto give it a whirl
  • Informal
10 5.3

To try to do something when you are not sure you will succeed

is similar but stresses trying something to check how it goes
to essay
vsto give it a whirl
  • Formal
1 7.7

To try something in a careful, experimental way

is a casual try aimed at checking if it works rather than formal testing
to have a stab at
vsto give it a whirl
  • UK
1 5.3

To try to do something when you are not sure you will succeed

is more about a new trial to check if it works than expected success
to give a try
vsto give it a whirl
1 1.6

To do something new to see if you can do it

aims at trying once informally rather than evaluating performance formally
to give a go
vsto give it a whirl
  • UK
1 4.1

To try something, especially something new

emphasizes a casual first attempt to see if it works for you
to give a whirl
vsto give it a whirl
  • Informal
4.9

Try something once to see if you like it or are good at it

is a casual attempt mainly to find out if it works or suits you
to make trial of
vsto give it a whirl
  • Archaic
7.2

To try something to see if it works

is more of an informal trial to check personal fit or basic function

Antonyms

to give up
∞ 1.2

To stop trying to do something or accept defeat

How Hard

attempt
∞ 1.0
to try
∞ 1.0
to give it a whirl
  • Informal
8 5.8
to dabble
45 4.8

Surface Forms

give it a whirl infinitive

Morphology

give + it + a + whirl

The phrase uses a metaphorical extension: 'give' (provide) + 'a whirl' (literally a spin or fast movement) is used to mean 'give it a try'. The connection is partially inferable from the constituents but requires mapping 'whirl' to 'an attempt' (an idiomatic/metaphorical use) so a B1 learner may not reliably derive the meaning without prior exposure.

Etymology

Give it a whirl may come from the simple picture of give plus a quick whirl, where you spin something fast to test how it works, like giving a wheel one turn to see if it moves. So, it now means 'to try something' or 'to attempt'..