take a flutter

verb3

1. •
   (UK, Canada) To place a small bet.

   • Hughes takes a flutter on the nearest six, nickel bets on thirty-one to thirty-six. — 2010
2. •
   (UK, Canada) To support a risky option.

   • You'd hardly believe how difficult it was to interest the public and make them take a flutter on the old boy. — 1919
3. •
   To flutter for a short period of time.

   • Jenny's pulse took a flutter at the word 'newspaper' now knowing that she was guilty. — 2016