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Thread: 'to have a fair crack of the whip at things'?

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    Question 'to have a fair crack of the whip at things'?

    Hi all,
    Would you please tell me if this is a common phrase in daily speech? (Especially in BrE?)

    I've also heard of 'a fair shake at things', and 'a fair go at...'.



    Many thanks!

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    Tdol is offline Editor, UsingEnglish.com
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    Default Re: 'to have a fair crack of the whip at things'?

    It's used in BrE- it's hard to say how common it is, but in relevant contexts you'll come across it.
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    Threadstarter / Original Poster

    Question Re: 'to have a fair crack of the whip at things'?

    Quote Originally Posted by Tdol View Post
    It's used in BrE- it's hard to say how common it is, but in relevant contexts you'll come across it.


    Many thanks!


    And would it have the same meaning if we said, 'they're supposed to be given a fair go at things'?


    Ta!

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    Default Re: 'to have a fair crack of the whip at things'?

    Quote Originally Posted by Mehrgan View Post
    Many thanks!


    And would it have the same meaning if we said, 'they're supposed to be given a fair go at things'?


    Ta!
    But I think the 'at things' is redundant. 'A fair go' ≂ 'a fair turn' ≂ 'a fair crack of the whip'.

    b
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