Darle a alguien por [hacer] algo

Question 1

Darle a alguien por [hacer] algo

Answer 1

= to take up something/to feel like doing something (perífrasis verbal)

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.
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…”

Question 2

My mum has suddenly started calling me every night. She keeps me under surveillance.

Answer 2

A mi madre le ha dado por llamarme todas las noches. Me tiene controlada.

Question 3

Yesterday I decided to clean the kitchen thoroughly. I was really tired afterwards.

Answer 3

Ayer me dio por limpiar a fondo la cocina. Terminé cansadísima.

Question 4

Recently I’ve started flirting with my boss.

Answer 4

Ultimamente me ha dado por flirtear con mi jefe.

Question 5

Last year we took up golf and this year [we’ve taken up] tennis.

Answer 5

El año pasado nos dio por el golf y este año por el tenis.