have a dash at something—(coll.) make an attempt to do smth.:
- He decided to have a dash at surgical intervention and risk the consequences.
make a dash at something—
1. = have a dash at something:
- It was his habit, when traveling in any foreign country, to make a dash at French, even if the people understood English.
2. make a sudden vigorous assault or endeavor:
- Allen drew up his men and announced his intention to make a dash at the fort without waiting for more force.