college try: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal, somewhat idiomatic
Quick answer
What does “college try” mean?
A sincere, energetic, and full-hearted attempt at something, often despite inexperience or low chances of success.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A sincere, energetic, and full-hearted attempt at something, often despite inexperience or low chances of success.
A commendable, if not fully successful, effort demonstrating enthusiasm and determination rather than skill or expertise.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is distinctly American. In British English, a similar sentiment might be expressed with phrases like "a good effort" or "a brave attempt," but "college try" is not used.
Connotations
In AmE: Informal praise for effort, often with an implied 'but it wasn't quite enough.' In BrE: The term is largely unknown; using it would be seen as an Americanism.
Frequency
Low frequency in AmE, primarily in spoken or journalistic language. Near-zero frequency in BrE.
Grammar
How to Use “college try” in a Sentence
[Subject] gave it the old college try.[Subject] made a college try at [gerund/noun].That was a real college try.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “college try” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A
American English
- He didn't win, but you have to admit he college-tried his heart out.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- She went at it college-try, with more enthusiasm than skill.
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- It was a real college-try effort, full of passion if not finesse.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used rarely, perhaps to praise a junior employee's enthusiastic but unsuccessful pitch. (e.g., 'He gave it the old college try with that client, but they went with a more established firm.')
Academic
Very rare, except perhaps in discussions of sports or American culture.
Everyday
Most common in informal conversation to soften the blow of a failure while acknowledging effort. (e.g., 'You gave it the old college try fixing the sink, but we better call a plumber.')
Technical
Not used.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “college try”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “college try”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “college try”
- Using it in formal contexts.
- Using it in British English contexts where it is not understood.
- Saying 'college try' without the common frame 'give it the old...' which softens the patronizing tone.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a backhanded compliment. It sincerely praises effort and heart, but often implies a lack of skill, experience, or ultimate success.
No, it is an American idiom. Using it in the UK may cause confusion. Use phrases like 'a brave effort' or 'a good try' instead.
'Old' here is an informal intensifier meaning 'characteristic' or 'traditional.' It evokes a sense of nostalgia for the spirited, wholehearted efforts stereotypically associated with college sports.
Not inherently offensive, but it can be perceived as slightly patronizing or dismissive, as it focuses on effort rather than accomplishment. Context and tone are very important.
A sincere, energetic, and full-hearted attempt at something, often despite inexperience or low chances of success.
College try is usually informal, somewhat idiomatic in register.
College try: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkɒlɪdʒ traɪ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkɑːlɪdʒ traɪ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “give it the old college try”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a young college athlete (like a freshman) diving for a ball with all their might but missing. That image of 'enthusiastic but imperfect effort' is the 'college try.'
Conceptual Metaphor
EFFORT IS A SPORTING ATTEMPT (by an amateur).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the phrase 'college try' MOST appropriate?