Phrase guide
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.
Sound
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No pronunciation record was provided for this word.
noun
A vigorous, committed attempt or effort, often in the context of a nearly hopeless situation where failure is expected.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: informal
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
History
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).
