college try

noun

1. Informal. maximum effort for success on behalf of one's group, team, alma mater, etc. (usually preceded by the phrase the old ):

   We may not make the deadline, but we'll give it the old college try.

Word History and Origins

Origin of college try¹

First recorded in 1950–55

Example Sentences

"Your dad said to give it the old college try," Bud reported.

From Project Gutenberg

Men like to see their officers competing and "giving it a good college try" no matter how inept, or clumsy they may be.

From Project Gutenberg