Darle a alguien por [hacer] algo = to take up something/to feel like doing something (perífrasis verbal)

The Spanish expression "darle a alguien por algo" or "por hacer algo" is often used when talking about starting to do something new.

How to use the Spanish expression dar a alguien por algo

The Spanish idiomatic expression "dar a alguien por algo" is often used to express a "sudden interest in something/doing something", when there was no apparent desire or inclination to do this before. It implies a sudden decision. 

Here are some examples:

A mi madre le ha dado por llamarme todas las noches. Me tiene controlada.My mum has suddenly started calling me every night. She keeps me under surveillance.

Ayer me dio por limpiar a fondo la cocina. Terminé cansadísima.Yesterday I decided to clean the kitchen thoroughly. I was really tired afterwards.

Ultimamente me ha dado por flirtear con mi jefe.Recently I've started flirting with my boss.

El año pasado nos dio por el golf y este año por el tenis.Last year we took up golf and this year [we've taken up] tennis.

Notice that the verb dar is always conjugated in the 3rd person singular and is followed by the preposition "por", followed by either an infinitive or a noun. 

It's important to pay attention to the indirect object pronoun. This indicates the person/people who has taken the new interest in something.(me ha dado por..., le dio por...)

This indirect object can be doubled by also using the form "a+ person", e.g. "A María le ha dado por..."

See also Repetition of indirect object pronouns with verbs in Spanish (general)

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Examples and resources

A mi madre le ha dado por llamarme todas las noches. Me tiene controlada.My mum has suddenly started calling me every night. She keeps me under surveillance.
Ayer me dio por limpiar a fondo la cocina. Terminé cansadísima.Yesterday I decided to clean the kitchen thoroughly. I was really tired afterwards.
Ultimamente me ha dado por flirtear con mi jefe.Recently I've started flirting with my boss.
El año pasado nos dio por el golf y este año por el tenis.Last year we took up golf and this year [we've taken up] tennis.
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