Meaning
To try something out, giving it a spin.
Origin
From 20th-century America, tied to 1920s slang; 'whirl' for try, as in a 1929 'Variety' for a test run. Possibly from rides or dance whirls, it reflects a jazz-age fling and play vibe.
Variants
- Give a whirl
Usage Examples
- Never danced? Give it a whirl tonight!
- He gave it a whirl and nailed the trick.
- Give it a whirl; see if it works.