for the life of (you)

to any degree at all.

She couldn't pronounce it for the life of her.

For the life of me, I can't figure out why somebody would want to spend so much time watching TV.

Usage notes: usually used to emphasize negative statements, as in the examples

• hold on to for dear life
• hold on to someone for dear life
• hold onto something
• be as deaf as a post
• be as dry as a bone
• be as dull as dishwater
• be as dull as ditchwater
• be as easy as abc
• be as easy as falling off a log
• be as easy as pie
• be as fast as all get out
• be as [fast/hot/thin etc.] as all get out
• be as fit as a fiddle
• be as flat as a pancake
• be as fresh as a daisy
• be as full as a boot
• be as full as a tick
• be as gentle as a lamb
• be as good as gold
• be as good as new
• be as good as word
• be as good as your word
• be as happy as a sandboy
• be as happy as Larry
• be as hard as nails