单词 | strain every nerve |
释义 | > as lemmasto strain every nerve P1. to strain every nerve and similar phrases: to make a great physical effort; to make the utmost effort. ΚΠ 1671 J. Milton Samson Agonistes 1646 This utter'd, straining all his nerves he bow'd. View more context for this quotation a1771 T. Gray Statius in Mem. (1775) 9 He..Brac'd all his nerves, and every sinew strung. 1780 T. Jefferson Corr. in Wks. (1859) I. 251 We shall exert every nerve to assist you. 1894 L. Stephen Playground of Europe (new ed.) viii. 184 We strained every nerve to reach the top. 1939 P. G. Wodehouse Let. 23 Dec. in Yours, Plum (1990) 145 Do strain every nerve to get me a definite commission. 1989 P. Stead Film & Working Class (BNC) 31 Comedians had to strain every nerve and to try every joke in order to release that laughter. to strain every nerve a. To stretch (sinews, nerves, muscles) beyond the normal degree (as the supposed condition of intense exertion); hence, to force to extreme effort, exert to the utmost (one's limbs, organs, powers). to strain every nerve (figurative): to use one's utmost endeavours. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > manner of action > effort or exertion > [verb (transitive)] > put the limbs or faculties to abnormal exertion swinkc1300 strain1446 stress1540 to put, set, place, etc. on the rack1599 taska1616 tax1672 force1825 the world > action or operation > manner of action > effort or exertion > exert oneself or make an effort [verb (intransitive)] > make physical effort > utmost to strain every nerve1671 the world > action or operation > endeavour > make an attempt or endeavour [verb (intransitive)] > do one's utmost forcec1340 to give business to1340 to set (up) one's rest1589 to strain every nerve1837 to shoot one's wad1914 1446 J. Lydgate Two Nightingale Poems ii. 73 This bridde..Syngeth as that she wold hir-self dismembre, Streyneth hir throte, peyneth hir brest at al. 1548 T. Cooper Bibliotheca Eliotæ (rev. ed.) at Intendo I must streigne a sinew or stretche a veyne, to begyle this olde man. 1576 A. Fleming tr. C. Plinius Novocomensis in Panoplie Epist. 261 To make them al amends therfore in the behoofe of one, I must straine mine abilitie. 1584 T. Cogan Hauen of Health i. 3 They streine more one part of the body than an other, as shooting the armes, running the legges, &c. a1616 W. Shakespeare Cymbeline (1623) iii. iii. 94 He sweats, Straines his yong Nerues, and puts himselfe in posture That acts my words. View more context for this quotation 1671 J. Milton Samson Agonistes 1646 This utter'd, straining all his nerves he bow'd. View more context for this quotation 1777 S. Johnson Let. 27 Oct. (1992) III. 89 Some strain their powers for efforts of gayety. 1821 W. Scott Kenilworth III. v. 85 That memorable discharge of fireworks..which Master Laneham..has strained all his eloquence to describe. 1837 T. Carlyle French Revol. II. v. i. 269 All Constitutional Deputies did strain every nerve. 1841 M. Elphinstone Hist. India I. 345 This last exercise only operates on the arms and chest, but the others strain every muscle in the frame. 1855 C. Kingsley Heroes (1868) iv. iii. 251 His father sat..and strained his old eyes across the sea, to see the ship afar. 1856 N. Brit. Rev. 26 158 When we view them with two eyes..the muscles of the eyeball are not strained. 1894 L. Alma-Tadema Wings of Icarus 159 I strained my ears in vain for a sound. < as lemmas |
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