1 B2 informal
To try to hit someone or something with a swinging blow, especially a punch.
"He lost his temper and swung for the referee, which got him immediately sent off."
inseparable
swing for
B2 informal inseparable transitive
To attempt to strike or hit someone or something with a swinging blow; also an old British expression referring to being hanged for a crime.
In plain English
To try to punch or hit someone hard, or (old British expression) to be hanged because of something.
What does "swing for" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 C1 idiomatic informal
(British, dated or humorous) To be put to death by hanging because of something one has done.
""If he breaks my vase, I'll swing for him," she said, only half-joking."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To swing (your fist, bat, or arm) in the direction of someone or something as a target.
Actually means
To try to punch or hit someone hard, or (old British expression) to be hanged because of something.
Usage tip
The 'try to hit' sense is the most current usage and very common in sports (especially baseball and cricket) and informal descriptions of fights. The 'be hanged' sense ('I'll swing for you') is an older British expression now mainly used humorously or dramatically.
Words that pair with "swing for"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
punch bat fist ball him her
How to conjugate "swing for"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
swing for
I/you/we/they
3rd person
swings for
he/she/it
Past simple
swinged for
yesterday
Past participle
swinged for
have + pp
-ing form
swinging for
continuous
Hear "swing for" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "swing for" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "swing for"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
hit out at lash out at strike at take a swing at
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