Fair crack of the whip

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Meaning

A fair opportunity to take part, compete or prove one's ability. Informal. Fair go is the shorter and especially characteristic Australian equivalent. Regional use: Especially Australian English; also used in British English.

Origin

The expression uses the image of a driver getting a turn to crack or wield the whip. Its figurative history belongs to wider English rather than to a uniquely Australian coinage, but it became strongly at home in Australian appeals for fairness alongside fair go. Australian fair-crack wording is documented by the early 20th century; a single originating incident is not known.

Variants

  • Give someone a fair crack of the whip
  • Get a fair crack of the whip
  • A fair crack
  • A fair go

Usage Examples

  • Every apprentice deserves a fair crack of the whip at the practical test.
  • Give the new bowler a fair crack before changing the team again.

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