What have we stopped noticing?
The things we say, do, and accept without thinking twice.
Non-violencework
“Take a stab at it”
Having a go at something, described as a knife attack.
Look closer where it comes from, what it assumes, and the case for keeping it
What you mean by it
To make an attempt.
What it's actually picturing
An attempt is described with the verb for attacking someone with a blade.
What it takes for granted
That violence is the ordinary picture of having a go at something, mild enough to say to anyone.
Worth knowing
Casual and friendly in tone. One of many attempt-as-attack phrases: take a shot, take a crack, have a bash.
The case for keeping it
“Stab” here is the dictionary sense “a try”, recorded since the 1890s and built on the idea of a quick thrust. No listener imagines a victim.
Say it plainly
Give it a tryHave a go
Or have some fun
Give it a whirl