take a nip

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "take a nip" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to taking a small drink of alcohol, often in a casual or informal context. Example: "After a long day at work, I like to take a nip of whiskey to unwind."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Back at their desks, do they take a nip of Scotch or unwrap an illegal cigar?

The New York Times - Food

Yet as Mr. Grau's camera lingers on the soft palms and fleshy underarms of innocent commuters, damned if he doesn't — just for a second — make you want to take a nip.

The New York Times

Oland was a heavy drinker, Mr. Huang writes, and liked to take a nip before slipping into the Chan persona: it slowed down his speech and put a congenial, Chan-like grin on his face.

The New York Times - Books

The 59% jump, mainly from software development, comes as the e-commerce colossus tries to help its new search engine, A9.com, take a nip from the market dominated by Google and Yahoo!

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

She laughs and takes a nip of well-earned Scotch.

The New York Times - Magazine

Occasionally he turns away, opens the flap of his tunic, takes a nip.

The New Yorker

A century ago, mothers routinely rubbed tincture of opium on the gums of teething babies to soothe the pain, then took a nip for themselves.

The New York Times - Science

Unfortunately, Red Smith discovered that that breed of shark had not taken a nip out of a human for eons, which sort of ruined that frolic.

The New York Times - Sports

Manus (David Costabile), an ardent nationalist, takes over the teaching chores when Hugh has taken a nip too much, at least until his heart is broken and he comes to feel an exile in his beloved home.

The New York Times

The company may pay little heed to working time directives, to minimum wage legislation and to the right of elves to form a union, but the elves are regularly tested to ensure they have not been taking a nip of Santa's brandy and are warned regularly that the grotto is a non-smoking environment where it is illegal to light up their pipes.

The Guardian - Business

Wayfair's new feature takes a nip at Pinterest, as well, as users don't only have access to visual search capabilities, they also can leverage Wayfair's existing favoriting option and its "idea boards" to save the items they liked from the search results.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "take a nip" to suggest a discreet or quick consumption of alcohol, especially in informal settings. It can also imply a secretive or slightly mischievous act.

Common error

Avoid using "take a nip" in formal documents or professional communication. Opt for more neutral phrases like "have a small drink" or "sample the beverage" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take a nip" functions as a verbal phrase describing the action of consuming a small amount of alcohol. Ludwig AI confirms this is a correct and usable phrase in English. It often implies a discreet or casual act.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

8%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "take a nip" is an informal phrase that refers to drinking a small amount of alcohol, often discreetly. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While commonly found in news and media, as well as informal conversation, it should be avoided in formal writing. Alternatives include "have a sip" or "have a drop". Remember to consider your audience and context when choosing whether to use this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have a drop

Refers to consuming a tiny amount of liquid, often alcohol, emphasizing the small quantity.

have a sip

Implies taking a small taste or mouthful of a beverage.

take a swig

Suggests a larger, more casual consumption of liquid compared to a nip.

have a dram

Specifically refers to having a small amount of whisky or other spirits.

take a pull

Slang term indicating taking a drink, often from a bottle or flask.

have a shot

Indicates consuming a small measure of alcohol, typically spirits.

steal a march

Figurative expression meaning to gain a slight advantage over someone.

gain an edge

To obtain a slight advantage.

get a head start

To start before other people.

secure an advantage

Achieving a more strategic or significant benefit compared to a "nip".

FAQs

What does it mean to "take a nip"?

To "take a nip" generally means to take a small drink of alcohol, often quickly and discreetly. It suggests a casual or informal context.

What are some alternatives to "take a nip"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "have a sip", "have a drop", or "sample the beverage".

Is "take a nip" appropriate for formal writing?

No, "take a nip" is generally considered informal. In formal writing, it's better to use more neutral phrases like "have a small drink".

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "take a nip"?

It's appropriate in informal settings, such as casual conversations or less formal writing, when you want to suggest a small, quick drink of alcohol.