What is "to have one's fling"

Fling \Fling\, n.

1. A cast from the hand; a throw; also, a flounce; a kick; as, the fling of a horse.

2. A severe or contemptuous remark; an expression of sarcastic scorn; a gibe; a sarcasm.

   I, who love to have a fling, Both at senate house and king.
   --Swift.

3. A kind of dance; as, the Highland fling.

4. A trifing matter; an object of contempt. [Obs.]

   England were but a fling Save for the crooked stick and the gray goose wing.
   --Old Proverb.

5. a short period during which one indulges one's wishes, whims, or desires in an unrestrained manner.

6. a love affair.

7. a casual or brief attempt to accomplish something.

   Syn: shot.

8. a period during which one tries a new activity; as, he took a fling at playing tennis.

   To have one's fling, to enjoy one's self to the full; to have a season of dissipation.
   --J. H. Newman. ``When I was as young as you, I had my fling. I led a life of pleasure.''
   --D. Jerrold.