apply oneself

English

WOTD – 20 August 2006

Pronunciation

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Verb

apply oneself (third-person singular simple present applies oneself, present participle applying oneself, simple past and past participle applied oneself)

1. (idiomatic) Synonym of strive: to work hard, to complete an activity with good effort and focus.

   His parents wish he had applied himself better while he was in school, but he couldn't give a toss.