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trying

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try (one's) utmost

To put forth the greatest possible amount of effort or energy toward some task or goal; to try as hard as one can. I'll try my utmost to be there for your wedding, but I don't know if I'll have enough money to buy the plane ticket. Janet tried her utmost to save the family farm, but the bank foreclosed on it in the end.

See also: try, utmost

what's the use (of doing something)

What reason is there (to do something); why should I bother (doing something)? A: "OK, so you didn't do so well on the test. Just study a bit harder next time!" B: "What's the use? I'm just not any good at math." What's the use of making your bed each morning when you're just going to mess up the sheets again at night?

See also: use

bad times

Times of trouble, struggle, or unhappiness. I've had bad times since losing my job, but I'm trying to stay positive.

See also: bad, times

bad times

 and difficult times; trying times; hard times; tough times

a period that offers difficulties, such as when there is not enough food, money, or work. We went through trying times when Perry was out of work, but we all bounced back.

See also: bad, times

Keep (on) trying.

 and Don't quit trying.

Fig. a phrase encouraging continued efforts. Jane: I think I'm doing better in calculus. John: Keep trying! You can get an A. Sue: I really want that promotion, but I keep getting turned down. Bill: Don't quit trying! You'll get it.

See also: keep, trying

without half trying

Rur. effortlessly. He was so strong, he could bend an iron bar without half trying. I wish I had his ability to cook. He makes the most delicious dishes without half trying.

See also: half, trying, without