Phrase guide

give it one's best shot

verb · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

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Pronunciation

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1

verb

Meaning 1

To make one's best effort or attempt; to try as hard as possible.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

Examples

  • Near-synonyms: give it the old college try; give one's all, go all out, pull out all the stops, do one's utmost, leave it all on the field, empty the tank
  • I didn't win the contest, but I sure gave it my best shot.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: give it the old college try, give one's all, go all out, pull out all the stops, do one's utmost, leave it all on the field, empty the tank

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.