Meaning of old college try | Babel Free

Definitions

A vigorous, committed attempt or effort, often in the context of a nearly hopeless situation where failure is expected.

informal

Examples

“Those who have seen Ruth make the "old college try" understand that some professionals play with a spiritual fervor which is supposed to be the amateur's prerogative.”

“Reeve gives his role the old college try—fervent amateurism.”

“"You know, all I can do is go out there and give it the old college try and play my hardest."”

CEFR level