old college try

English

Etymology

From the ambitiousness of college athletes. Earliest known use from 1914. Perhaps popularized by a 1917 sermon of the same name by preacher and professional baseball player Billy Sunday (see citations).

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