Do the best you can, even if you think it’s a hopeless cause. This slangy Americanism dates from the 1930s when college football films became very popular in the United States. The phrase was one of the cheers intended to urge on a team that was falling behind or facing overwhelming odds. Transferred to other endeavors, it came to be used more or less ironically.
Related and Similar Terms:
- Give it your best shot: Try as hard as you can.
- Leave no stone unturned: Search thoroughly and exhaust all possibilities.
- Go the extra mile: Make more effort than is expected.
- Burn the midnight oil: Work late into the night.
Synonyms:
- Attempt
- Endeavor
- Strive
- Undertake
Antonyms:
- Abandon
- Quit
- Surrender
- Yield
Humor-Filled Quotes:
“Give it the old college try… unless it’s calculus, then it’s time to cry.” 😂
“Cover letters, interviews, diets – yeah, sometimes life requires more than the old college try!” 😅
Proverbs and References:
- Proverb: “Faint heart never won fair lady.”
- Meaning: Courage and effort are needed to attain one’s goals.
- Literature:
- Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes – A classic tale of unwavering (if sometimes delusional) determination.
- Movies:
- Rudy – A story about relentless perseverance.
- The Pursuit of Happyness – An inspiring true story of a man who never gave up.
Remember, giving it the old college try isn’t just about success; it’s about the effort, the persistence, and the sheer audacity to keep pushing forward. Who knows? With enough zest and enthusiasm, you might just change the game—if not for yourself, then for those cheering you on.
Stay witty and wise, Penny Proverbs
