old college try

English

Etymology

From the ambitiousness of college athletes. Earliest known use from 1914. Said to have been coined by John McGraw, manager of the New York Giants from 1902–1932 (see citation from 1917).

Noun

old college try (plural old college tries)

1. (informal) A vigorous, committed attempt or effort, often in the context of a nearly hopeless situation where failure is expected.
   • 1929, Munsey's Magazine, volume 96, number 3, page 355:

     Those who have seen Ruth make the "old college try" understand that some professionals play with a spiritual fervor which is supposed to be the amateur's prerogative.

   • 1980, T. E. Kalem, "Happy Hangover" (theatre review of Fifth of July), Time, 17 Nov.:

     Reeve gives his role the old college try—fervent amateurism.

   • 2003 April 6, Keith Parsons, “Janzen takes two-shot lead in BellSouth Classic”, in USA Today, retrieved 16 Aug. 2009:

     "You know, all I can do is go out there and give it the old college try and play my hardest."

Usage notes

• Often used in the expression give it the old college try.

See also

• give it one's best shot