give it the old college try
phrase
US, old-fashioned
: to use one's very best effort : to try very hard
We can win this game if we give it the old college try!
Cite this Entry
“Give it the old college try.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/give%20it%20the%20old%20college%20try. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
