strain every nerve

strain every nerve

To expend a maximum amount of effort to do something. I strained every nerve to reach that book on the top shelf, and I still couldn't get it.
See also: every, nerve, strain
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

strain every nerve

make every possible effort.
Nerve is used here in an earlier sense of ‘tendon or sinew’.
See also: every, nerve, strain
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

strain every ˈnerve/ˈsinew (to do something)

(written) try as hard as you can (to do something): He strained every sinew to help us, but didn’t succeed.
See also: every, nerve, strain
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

strain every nerve

To make every effort.
See also: every, nerve, strain
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition.
See also:
  • strain every nerve/sinew
  • expend
  • expend (something) for (something)
  • expend for
  • fall over (oneself) to (do something)
  • fall over oneself
  • fall over yourself
  • fall over yourself to do something
  • fall all over (oneself)
  • fall all over oneself
References in periodicals archive
But it's my mandate to ensure that forests are protected and personally, I will strain every nerve to see that inviolate areas are shielded," she said.
Natarajan says she'll do all it takes to save forests
"The authorities will strain every nerve to meet the Tunisian expatriate community's aspirations," he also insisted.
President Marzouki: 'Situation sometimes tense in Tunisia but this is quite normal at transition stage'
The forces road safety notes said: "They strain every nerve and sinew in their efforts to remain youthful.
The week that was 1977
Britain will 'strain every nerve' to avoid conflict with Saddam Hussein, Foreign Secretary Jack Straw said last night as he launched a last ditch diplomatic push to win support for new UN resolution on Iraq.
War on Terror: Last ditch attempt to avoid war
``Even at this late stage we want to strain every nerve to avoid military action.We w ant to see Iraq come into full, active and immediate cooperation.''
UK in last-ditch bid for Iraq resolution
For his part, Director of the Tunis chapter of Amnesty International Lotfi Azouz voiced the organisation's satisfaction at Tunisia's successful transition and its determination to strain every nerve to break away with all forms of violation of human rights and build a new Tunisia, stressing the interest that the President of the Republic grants to the defence of human rights in Tunisia.
Caretaker President receives chairmen of human rights associations