try every trick in the book

try every trick in the book

To make use of every possible angle or approach to do or achieve something, especially ways that are clever, cunning, or ethically questionable. I tried every trick in the book to get them to invest, but nothing could persuade them. You can try every trick in the book to get prospective employers to notice you, but if your work ethic isn't fundamentally sound, no one is going to want you working for them.
See also: book, every, trick, try
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

try, use, etc. every trick in the ˈbook

try any method you know to get something or get somebody to do something you want: He’ll use every trick in the book to try and stop you.
See also: book, every, trick
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • try, use, etc. every trick in the book
  • use every trick in the book
  • know every trick in the book
  • every trick in the book
  • cunning
  • (as) cunning as a fox
  • (as) sly as a fox
  • sly
  • sly as a fox
  • (as) wily as a fox
References in periodicals archive
And don't try every trick in the book and look at every girl as a potential girlfriend.
STILL NO DATES AFTER FIVE YEARS
"They will try every trick in the book to avoid exposing key policies to parliamentary scrutiny."
SNP are 'running scared'
Lee Trundle will try every trick in the book to beat old training buddy Mark Jones in a battle of the showmen this week, writes PETER SHUTTLEWORTH.
Trundle: Why marvel Mark is in my top five
Kyle is desperate to win the beautiful Elaine back and he's prepared to try every trick in the book.
Beautiful game turns ugly for soccer stars; PICK OF THE DAY.. Footballers Wives, TV3 and UTV, 9pm