for the life of one
for the life of (one)
Despite one's best efforts; to any degree whatsoever. Often used in negative constructions. For the life of me, I can't remember where I left my keys! She couldn't understand for the life of her why people were so obsessed with celebrity gossip.
See also: life, of
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
for the life of one
Although trying hard, as in I can't for the life of me remember his name. This expression is always used hyperbolically, that is, one's life is not at all endangered. [Late 1700s]
See also: life, of, one
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
- mean (something) by (something)
- mean by
- change (one's) stripes
- change one's stripes
- change one's stripes/spots, cannot
- a month of Sundays
- take it with (one) (when one goes)
- take it with one
- anytime soon
- have it both ways