Английский словарь американских идиом - take a punch at

or take a poke at or take a sock at {v. phr.} To try to hit (someone) with the fist; swing or strike at; attack with the fists. * /Bob was very angry and suddenly he took a punch at Fred./ * /Johnny knocked my hat off, so I took a poke at him./ * /I felt like taking a sock at Joe, but I kept my temper./