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Meaning of old college try | Babel Free

Noun CEFR C1

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

CEFR level

C1
Advanced
This word is part of the CEFR C1 vocabulary — advanced level.
See all C1 English words →

See also

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