The phrase "make stab" is colloquially used to refer to attempting or trying something. However, there are many synonyms that could be employed to convey the same meaning in a more refined manner. For instance, the word "endeavour" expresses a more determined effort towards a goal. "Strive" conveys a sense of putting in hard work and effort in order to achieve something. "Attempt" can be used to indicate making an effort to do something, while "undertake" implies taking on a challenging task with a degree of confidence. Therefore, there are many words to choose from that can convey the same meaning as "make stab".