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

It’s hard even to keep up with the death toll in the Palestinian territories, but you can certainly give it a college try.

From Salon

Given one more college try, Kelly will get another chance to live up to his championship pledge.

From Los Angeles Times

“Garvey adds an element of cheer, if you will. At least his candidacy will add some fun for Republicans. I think most people understand he doesn’t have a chance to win. But he will give it the old college try and definitely make it a more interesting race.”

From Los Angeles Times

“I don’t know where it switched or at what point in time, but DOJ had an opinion that they weren’t going to get cooperation out of the attorney, which I still think you have to give it the college try because that — to me it’s about the narrative,” he said.

From Washington Times

Josh Marshall at Talking Points Memo recently gave it the old college try, explaining both one of the conspiracy theories and why it's not true.

From Salon