take a run at

verb2

1. •
   To attempt to achieve or acquire.

   • "No one else has achieved the right knit of polyester Dacron fibers—lots of mills have taken a run at it." — 1989
2. •
   To attack or challenge or to try to attack or challenge.

   • Like a tall dog who attacks a bear to remind himself he is still a tall dog, Ted Turner took a run at Rupert Murdoch last week. — 1998