take aim

Idioms

Direct a missile or criticism at something or someone, as in Raising his rifle, Chet took aim at the squirrel but missed it entirely, or In his last speech the President took aim at the opposition leader. [Late 1500s]

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

This is how we take aim in life—learning from great people.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 24, 2026

He’s run 13.91 in the event, should be favorite to win the Mission League title on April 30, then take aim at a Southern Section title.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 13, 2026

The bill does not take aim at event contracts on others outcomes, like Federal Reserve interest rates or the price of a barrel of oil.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 23, 2026

Legendary movie director Steven Spielberg on Friday defended enjoying the arts as a shared live experience, appearing to take aim at Oscar nominee Timothee Chalamet's controversial remarks about ballet and opera.

From Barron's • Mar. 14, 2026

Why, I wondered, would Dusty stand there and let Luno take aim at a couple of pint-sized trespassers?

From "Flush" by Carl Hiaasen

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023