give something the old college try

give (something) the (old) college try

To attempt or try something. I gave knitting the old college try, but I just didn't enjoy it. Give it the college try and I think you'll find that it's easier than you think.
See also: college, give, try
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

give something the old college try

AMERICAN, OLD-FASHIONED
If you give something the old college try, you make a great effort to succeed, even if this is not possible. Despite the failure of her last movie, she is still giving acting the old college try.
See also: college, give, old, something, try
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.
See also:
  • give (something) the (old) college try
  • old college try
  • old college try, the
  • the (old) college try
  • old college try, (give it) the
  • remove
  • at one remove
  • Graystone College
  • Joe College
  • townie