try¹

verbPlural tries, tried, trying trʌɪ

1no object Make an attempt or effort to do something.
with infinitive he tried to regain his breath
I started to try and untangle the mystery
I decided to try writing fiction
with object three times he tried the manoeuvre and three times he failed
Example sentencesExamples
- He grabbed one of the snowshoes and with a bit of effort tried to clear some of the snow.
- All members and players please try and make an effort to attend meeting as it is a very important event.
- Either way, I am going to start making a dedicated effort to try and stop using those words myself.
- I have spent a lot of time, effort and money to try and put together the next project.
- I tried to be a sales executive, a sailor and even got married to try and fit into the role of a good wife.
- We'll try and play the way we have tried to play the last two Test matches.
- If that is the case, you really should make an effort to try and catch him while you can.
- She tried to make herself fall asleep so she could try and forget the situation she was in.
- Now the next step is launching an effort to try and make sure that we can take costs out of the system.
- We were disrupted by efforts to try and merge our information systems and find new headquarters.
- So we though we would give it a try and much to our surprise from the very first time that we tried to grow these blood vessels it worked.
- Nash tried to brake and the last thing I remember was his arm flinging out to try and stop me from flying out of the car.
- I didn't try and listen or believe your side of the story even when you tried to tell me.
- I made one last effort to try and reason with our doctor, but it was all for nothing.
- He opened his eyes again with great effort and tried to comprehend what he was looking at.
- This week I tried to make an effort shake the lethargy which has plagued me recently.
- If she can just make an effort to try and be better, she can actually live a much better life.
- The white nuns who came here made a big effort to try and teach your mother.
- I wish that there were attempts to try and circulate the information to young women that they do have a choice.
- With effort, he tried to sit up and the hot, white pain that coursed through him was more than he could bear.
Synonyms
attempt, endeavour, make an effort, exert oneself, seek, strive, struggle, do one's best, do one's utmost, do all one can
undertake, aim, set out, take it on oneself
try one's hand at
informal have a go/shot/crack/stab/bash, give it one's best shot, bend/lean over backwards, bust a gut, do one's damnedest, pull out all the stops, go all out, go for broke, knock oneself out, break one's neck, move heaven and earth
Australian/New Zealand informal give it a burl, give it a fly
formal essay
archaic assay
1. 1.1also try something outwith object Use, test, or do (something new or different) in order to see if it is suitable, effective, or pleasant.
  everyone wanted to know if I'd tried jellied eel
  these methods are tried and tested
  Example sentencesExamples
  Science fact is that IVF with donor eggs is a tried and tested way to help infertile couples have children.
  The important point is that the stallion will have been tried and tested in the toughest race of all.
  There are many tried and tested methods that have been used in Europe before.
  Parents will be able to try different sorts and if they like them can buy their own stock.
  Granted it wasn't tried and tested, but, it did have a basis on common sense.
  The oil has been tried and tested throughout the season and offers extremely good durability.
  To scientists a theory is an idea that has been tried and tested by experiments and has passed every test.
  His methods, he admits, are not new but have been tried and tested in Canada.
  The genre has certain formulaic elements, tried and tested in their saleability.
  This was our tried and tested pattern for five out of the six days.
  They are all productions that are tried and tested and that are not usually that complex.
  Several top football countries use this system so it is tried and tested.
  He said there was no reason the new system could not work, that it was tried and tested all over Europe.
  Please bear in mind that I have seen a lot of therapists who try different kinds of therapy.
  They are the result of centuries of experience and wisdom, tried and tested.
  Now we have tried and tested it with bluechips and there are definite signs of an upturn.
  A few approaches to this problem have been tried in different countries in the last two decades.
  Our combinations are tried and tested in many cases, which does help.
  Sadly, the idea of the game has been tried and tested so many times it seems old hat now.
  Popular-yet-dormant brands, and tried and tested formulae are revived and revisited all the time.
  Synonyms
  test, trial, experiment with, pilot
  put to the test, put through its paces, put into practice
  assess, evaluate
2. 1.2try for Attempt to achieve or attain.
  they decided to try for another baby
  Example sentencesExamples
  The couple decided to try for a baby without seeking specialist advice in case they were warned off due to the risks involved.
  To be classified as infertile, the couple need to be actively trying for a baby for one year.
  He has then agreed that we can then start trying for a family.
  They are reportedly trying for a reunion with the help of a marriage counsellor.
  The reason for this is because they had been trying for a baby for the last few years.
  We loved each other, we were trying for a baby and I knew it was what he wanted.
  The couple had been trying for a baby for a while but Judith had trouble conceiving because she suffers from polycystic ovaries.
  She and her husband have been trying for a baby for years and she's finally pregnant.
  Existing advice is for pregnant women and those trying for a baby is not to eat large amounts of the species because of concerns over mercury.
  The devastated parents, who already had a daughter, risked trying for another child and had a second healthy baby girl.
  You may feel you're ready to start trying for a baby immediately.
  But he says he is trying for roles that have him playing more than just the perfect romantic.
  One in seven UK couples trying for a baby experience delays in conceiving.
  The first two attempts had failed and the third attempt was my last chance to try for a baby.
  Sheila is determined to rebuild her family and the couple are already trying for another baby.
  Regular exercise is also important for men and women to improve their health before trying for a baby.
  Today, you'll be pleased to hear that Amelia has got married to a lovely chap and they're now trying for a baby.
  She and her husband were trying for children when he was struck down with meningitis and was maintained on a life support machine in a coma.
  Despite everything, a year later they decided to try for a baby again.
  His devoted parents have been trying for several years to have a baby whose donated stem cells might restore him to health.
3. 1.3try out forNorth American Compete or audition for (a post or place on a team)
  she tried out for the team
  Example sentencesExamples
  If there was another girl trying out for the team, Alex was going to make sure she was good.
  ‘I tried out for every sports team a freshman could try out for and was cut in the first round every time,’ explains Fiona, 14.
  ‘Hey, I heard he's trying out for the football team,’ Mackenzie suddenly remembered.
  Go for honor roll, or try out for the softball team.
  ‘I heard from Michael you're trying out for the swim team,’ he then said.
  State rules even barred them from trying out for boys' teams.
  Of course, they wanted to know why she wasn't trying out for the basketball team the next year.
  Tanya tries out for the soccer team but doesn't make the cut.
  Mark and Benny were trying out for the hockey team.
  She decided to enroll at and compete for UCLA in the fall, instead of trying out for Canada's team that will compete at the World Championships in late October.
  By the way, you said you play tennis - are you interested in trying out for the team?
  Actually, I'm trying out for the tennis team tomorrow afternoon, so I could comment on that.
  Natalie is trying out for the school team on January 22.
  Are you going to be trying out for the cheerleading team?
  So if any of you are interested in coming and trying out for this audition then grab one of these papers on my desk before you leave class.
  She was still trying to think up a way to get out of trying out for the dance team.
  Rae was trying out for the track-and-field team and the newspaper as a sports writer.
  Simon was so good, in fact, that he went on to compete at the national level before trying out for professional teams, although his eyesight, of all things, kept him from making the grade.
  Then he went back to his conversation about trying out for the football team.
  She must be as excited as me before freshman year when I was trying out for the varsity team for the first time.
4. 1.4with object Attempt to contact.
  I've tried the apartment, but the number is engaged
  Example sentencesExamples
  He tried the house, but we were not home.
  We tried the apartment, but after that we didn't know where to call.
5. 1.5with object Push or pull (a door or window) to determine whether it is locked.
  I tried the doors, but they were locked
  Example sentencesExamples
  Getting no answer at the back door, he tried it and found it opened to his push.
  With the guards now completely stationary, he tries the door.
  After a replay of Wednesday's close and the titles, David tries the door but cannot get it open.
  I tried a door that I thought was the emergency exit, but opened it to find a room full of people.
  Bernard paid for his tea and took the lift to the 2nd floor and tried the door of the banquet hall, which opened.
  I stopped a foot away from the door at the end of the hallway and tried the door handle.
  Then, stealthily, the person darted over to another door and tried the handle.
  She tried the windows but they were also locked and when she threw things at them they didn't even crack.
  After looking through the letter box the youth tried the front door and went inside the house.
  Sadia tries the door to see how sturdy it is and checks in which direction it opens.
  Our hero comes for his interview, in the middle of the day, and tries the left door, to no avail.
  Why they didn't try the front door was a mystery, but not a mystery she wanted to solve.
  The Post Office was closed after the incident and this afternoon local people were trying the front door.
  He knocks, then disappears around the side of the house and tries the back door.
  In case any of you ever find yourself in this situation, the smart thing to do is to try the door.
  Kate tried the door when she finally got there but it was locked and her key didn't work.
  He tried the door again and discovered that it wasn't locked, just a little stuck.
  He moved along using feather steps and tried every door until he reached the last one.
  Once he turned the corner and was out of the guard's view, Matt tried one of the doors.
  At his front door, a somewhat buxom blonde lady with very high heels and a very short skirt was trying the front door lock.
6. 1.6with object Make severe demands on (a person or a quality, typically patience)
  Mary tried everyone's patience to the limit
  Example sentencesExamples
  As cricket has discovered the game has to be approachable and rain delays try the patience of everyone.
  After a year of sustained eyebrow raising and boomerang pints, they now no longer try my patience or my vocal chords.
  It is a game that rewards perseverance but tries your patience.
  Antoine is annoyed that Helene was late meeting him after work, and the heavy traffic tries his patience.
  But if it tries the moviegoer's patience, the film never cedes its fascination.
  As it is, literally having to watch the grass grow starts to sorely try the patience.
  Well, there is an answer to that-but I have tried the reader's patience long enough.
  His tribulations at a sport at which he previously naturally excelled would have tried the patience of a saint.
  But that's only the first of a number of instances in which he tries our patience.
  I didn't really have to try my patience because I didn't make any big mistakes.
  They know dawdling only tries the government's patience.
  What he said went without argument and we knew better than to try his patience, and anyway, he kept his cane within easy reach.
  As well as trying taxpayers' patience, the worsening gridlock is costing big money.
  She tried my patience sometimes, but equally I probably didn't give enough of a chance.
  Don't get me wrong, I really enjoy my job, I might even venture to say I love it, but it sometimes tries my patience.
  Synonyms
  tax, make severe demands on, strain, put a strain on, test, stretch, sap, drain, exhaust, wear out, tire out, weary
2with object Subject (someone) to trial.
he was arrested and tried for the murder
Example sentencesExamples
- He was tried as a Nazi collaborator in 1946 but was acquitted and allowed to resume his career.
- The court will try individuals accused of committing genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity.
- Sam was duly tried and convicted on the conspiracy count but the Appellant was not called as a witness at that trial.
- Within two days, both men were tried, convicted and sentenced to two years' jail.
- The soldiers were subsequently tried by a regimental court martial and acquitted.
- One of its first orders is to set up special tribunals to try members of the former regime.
- In due course, the great majority of war criminals were tried under a national jurisdiction.
- He was tried before a judge sitting alone and convicted of three counts of murder and appealed.
- Her nine-day reign was followed by the Roman Catholic Queen Mary, who tried him for treason.
- He refused to serve on the court that tried Charles I but joined the Council of State in 1652.
- The great majority of war criminals were tried in the territories where the crimes were committed.
- A few junior officers were tried by a military tribunal and given light sentences.
- After the war many camp officials were tried and punished, but others escaped.
- For that crime, she was tried, convicted, and sent back to slavery, thus restoring his property.
- They purged Parliament in December, tried him, and had him executed in January 1649.
- He was tried, after a fashion, and turned over to the Roman prefect, with the recommendation that he be executed.
- Cromwell, who had wanted to spare the King, saw no way out but to try him for treason.
- She was tried by one judge, rather than by a panel of three, as required by law.
- With other conspirators he was tried and sentenced to death on a charge of treason in November 1553.
1. 2.1 Investigate and decide (a case or issue) in a formal trial.
  the case is to be tried by a jury in the Crown Court
  Example sentencesExamples
  Attorneys who try cases at the courthouse said they had not seen him wearing it before.
  The information is invalid and as such this Court has no jurisdiction to try the issue arising therefrom.
  This delay is within the ambit of what might be considered inherent in trying a case.
  The actions were consolidated and the judge agreed to try preliminary issues which are the subject of this appeal.
  This I have done and I have told him that I can see no reason why I should not continue to try the case.
  Synonyms
  adjudicate, consider, hear, pass judgement on, adjudge, examine
3with object Smooth (roughly planed wood) with a plane to give an accurately flat surface.
4with object Extract (oil or fat) by heating.
some of the fat may be tried out and used
Example sentencesExamples
- He tried out the fat and made lard.
- Then he built a big fire and skinned the bears, and tried out the fat and poured it into a hollow in the ground.
- Then after they had cut it up, she tried out the fat and made a great quantity of oil from the bear.

nounPlural tries trʌɪ

1An effort to accomplish something; an attempt.
he got his membership card on his third try
Example sentencesExamples
- The second and third tries in a different spot on his finger were also unsuccessful.
- Then my foot slipped off on only the second move of my third try.
- It just took me a few weeks and just a few tries to accomplish all that.
- The chef handed her some paper, and she took around five tries to get a suitable signature.
- Otherwise why would they have come back for a second and a third try?
- To my astonishment, I make it up on my second attempt and by the third try I manage to stay up for a full three minutes.
- On the second or third try, I got my glasses on a tiny wren half hidden in the grasses.
- Yet in my exhausting tries, I couldn't concentrate on making a conscious effort of it, not while this sheep dog was left standing.
- It took me a few tries and a lot of effort before I was able to stand upright.
- The blistering cold wore on the engine kept it from staring until the third try.
- What made the difference was sleeping after having a first few tries at the problems involved.
- Sometimes, first tries and the limits of low budgets make better films, never mind the special effects improvements.
Synonyms
attempt, go, effort, endeavour, bid
informal shot, crack, stab, bash, whack
formal essay
1. 1.1 An act of trying something new or different to see if it is suitable, effective, or pleasant.
  she agreed that they should give the idea a try
  Example sentencesExamples
  He should have allowed for one more try of a different sort to see if it might be possible to get some movement.
  Even if the idea seems strange, give it a try, as you have nothing to lose, but only to gain.
  If you're already prepared to give the essay a try, you can find a download page here.
  However if you do give this form of fishing a try you may be pleasantly surprised.
  After a few more tries, I finally gave up and turned to examine myself in the mirror.
  If yes, definitely give it a try, but don't think only in terms of accomplishing anything.
  It was getting excellent reviews there, so I decided to give it a try.
  I didn't even know if asking her was a good idea or not, but I'll give it a try and see what happens.
  If you wonder how you will look with different eye colors, give color contacts a try.
2Rugby
An act of touching the ball down behind the opposing goal line, scoring points and entitling the scoring side to a kick at goal.
Example sentencesExamples
- In his career, he has played more than 260 professional matches, scoring 78 tries and kicking 100 goals and five drop goals.
- The action was fast moving and skilful, enterprising and well judged and both sides produced two tries and two penalty kicks.
- Players score tries by getting the ball over the opponents' touchline.
- While he was off the pitch the Giants scored two tries and a drop goal took their lead to 15-12.
- We can find out about games played, tries scored, goals kicked, brothers and fathers, referees, captains and so on.
1. 2.1American Football An attempt to score an extra point after a touchdown.
  Example sentencesExamples
  Philadelphia converted one of every three third-down tries.
  Seattle came up short on the road for the sixth time in seven tries this season.
  If the Packers plan to win their 10th game in 11 tries against the Niners, they'll have to control the ball with the running game.
  But he also had hit the left upright and right upright on a couple of other tries.
  In the four games leading up to the season finale, Brown missed six of 11 tries plus three extra points.

Usage

Is there any difference between try to plus infinitive and try and plus infinitive in sentences such as we should try to (or try and) help them? In practice there is little discernible difference in meaning, although there is a difference in formality, with try to being regarded as more formal than try and. The construction try and is grammatically odd, however, in that it cannot be inflected for tense (e.g. sentences like she tried and fix it or they are trying and renew their visa are not acceptable, while their equivalents she tried to fix it or they are trying to renew their visa undoubtedly are). For this reason try and is best regarded as a fixed idiom used only in its infinitive and imperative form. See also and

Phrases

I (or he etc.) will try anything once

Used to indicate willingness to do or experience something new.
Rosie was willing to try anything once
Example sentencesExamples
- I am not much of a prissy kind of girl, I will try anything once.
- He is a sport, he will try anything once.
- I like everything, and I will try anything once, but for the most part I go for a simple style with clean lines.
- I will always love Michael, he never stops excelling and has no boundaries with his music, he will try anything once.
- ‘I will try anything once,’ she declared, and proved it in her eighties by flying on Concorde, taking a trip in a helicopter and ascending in a hot air balloon.
- I enjoy long walks on the beach, going to the park, jigsaw puzzles, reading a good book, swimming and I will try anything once.
- While I haven't been exposed to a lot of exotic places or foods, I am just not a very picky eater and I will try anything once.
- I have a strict policy with food whilst travelling: I will try anything once.

not for lack (or want) of trying

Used to express that considerable effort has been exerted even though success has not been attained.
the band never quite gets it together, but it's not for lack of trying
Example sentencesExamples
- This plan also failed, but not for lack of trying.
- I still haven't won a round, but it's not for lack of trying.
- It may be a poor film, but not for lack of trying.
- The legendary shaft and cavern have not been found either, though not for lack of trying.
- Those commitments that I haven't been able to keep, it's not for lack of trying.
- If he failed in this agenda, it was not for want of trying.
- He may not be a household name, but that's not for lack of trying.
- There are flicks I still haven't seen, not for want of trying.
- My wife and I have been together for 27 years and have no children, not for want of trying.

try something (on) for size

Assess whether something is suitable.
he was trying the role for size
Example sentencesExamples
- She tries ideas on for size and asks you if they fit.
- Children try the world on for size through play.
- I won't go on too much about money-saving tips now, but try these articles for size.
- Since we are speculating, nevertheless, we could try these questions on for size.
- It was a different kind of acting, because the feelings were real, but it was like the two of them were trying the feelings on for size, like clothes to see if they fitted, and to see if they suited them.
- If that one episode isn't enough to convince you that season five is better at everything than you will ever be at anything, try these quotes on for size.
- ‘Sarah’, Sari repeated, trying it on for size it seemed.
- Asked how he feels about one hack's overwrought description of him as ‘the feathercut prince of the blues ‘, he frowns, repeats the phrase slowly and inquisitively as if trying it on for size, then quickly changes the subject.’
- Tesco, by contrast, tried the idea on for size, pioneering limited online shopping services in a single store before instigating a carefully planned rollout.
- So perhaps we shouldn't take it too seriously, but try these statements on for size.
Synonyms
test, try out, check out, put to the test, experiment with

try for white

historical (under the apartheid system) attempt to pass oneself off as a white person by assimilating oneself into a white community.
he tried for white but was rejected and took on an African identity
Example sentencesExamples
- It started in the 1960s and spilt over into the 1970s, a time when white-skinned people ‘of mixed descent’ consciously tried for white to acquire a privileged position in South African society.
- He recalled that when he went off to college he "tried for white," aping the manners and attitudes of the English and Afrikaners; rejected, he turned instead to the solace of black consciousness.
- She takes the audience on a sweeping journey from their childhood when they 'tried for white' by playing with white kids on the beach, to helping Patty confront the sacrifices she would have to make to be with the man she loved.

try one's hand at

Attempt to do (something) for the first time, typically in order to find out if one is good at it.
a chance to try your hand at the ancient art of drystone walling
Example sentencesExamples
- He now tried his hand at politics, seeking a better deal for sailors and soldiers.
- Now he is trying his hand at more formal history.
- He even tried his hand at drawing in an attempt to capture the movement of the situations he found fascinating, but later realised that the camera does a better job, he says.
- The night will also provide dancing until midnight and a chance to try your hand at a game of roulette or blackjack.
- You will have success in whatever you try your hand at.
- We intend to buy a rundown property: it's something we have always fancied trying our hand at - a blank canvas on which to make our mark.
- Those going along have the chance to try their hand at various activities including abseiling, rock climbing and orienteering.
- As well as the chance to try their hand at calligraphy, youngsters got up close to a variety of weapons such as a Celtic sword and 17th century rapier.
- The children tried their hand at more than one game.
- She is looking forward to a long holiday in Canada visiting family and hopes to try her hand at something different during her retirement.
Synonyms
make an attempt at, have a shot at

try it on

1informal Attempt to deceive or seduce someone.
you'd better not be trying it on with me
Example sentencesExamples
- "He's trying it on with me but he's got a 7 months pregnant girlfriend!"
- The line manager should not be 'trying it on' with workers - that is sexual harassment.
1. 1.1Deliberately test someone's patience to see how much one can get away with.

try me

Used to suggest that one may be willing to do something unexpected or unlikely.
‘You won't use a gun up here.’ ‘Try me.’
Example sentencesExamples
- ‘Maybe you should try me, Bryan,’ Dani said angrily.
- ‘C'mon, try me,’ he murmurs, glancing quickly in Tom's direction.
- I think my life has given me plenty of understanding, so try me.
- You can't tell me because I wouldn't understand it,’ he replied sarcastically, ‘Why don't you just try me.’
- I laughed at this at first, and told my mate ‘Oh yeah, try me then.’
- If they do not take me as serious, they have to try me.
- I simply tossed my long curls over my shoulder and practically dared them to try me.
- ‘Then try me,’ said Jill as she took a quarter from her pocket.

Phrasal Verbs

try something on

Put on an item of clothing to see if it fits or suits one.
Example sentencesExamples
- Like with any piece of clothing, you really need to try jeans on to see how they work.
- His brother was trying the uniform on for the first time.
- It was even more depressing trying the things on, since everything seemed designed to make you look as frumpy as possible.
- First I went through the racks of clothing and tried them on.
- You've really got to try them on, and see what range of choice is available.
- Some male customers felt uncomfortable when women were there as they were trying things on.
- I don't necessarily want to buy lots of stuff, I just want the shopping experience of going from shop to shop, trying things on and maybe making a couple of sound purchases.
- I'll try them on again first, but I'm really not keen on the skirt.
- She said: ‘I have always loved hats and drag my friends round lots of shops so I can try them on.’
- I'd prefer it if you could just pick up clothes and not have to try them on.

Origin

Middle English: from Old French trier 'sift', of unknown origin. Sense 1 of the noun dates from the early 17th century.

From Old French trier ‘to sift’, source also of trial (early 16th century). In rugby an act of touching the ball down behind the opposing goal line has been called a try since the 1840s. It got its name because a try gives the scoring side the right to try to kick a goal. The cliché try anything once, dates from the 1920s. The British conductor Sir Thomas Beecham (1879–1961) is generally credited with ‘You should try everything once except incest and morris dancing’, but the composer Sir Arnold Bax reported a similar comment in a 1943 autobiography.

Rhymes

ally, Altai, apply, assai, awry, ay, aye, Baha'i, belie, bi, Bligh, buy, by, bye, bye-bye, chi, Chiangmai, Ciskei, comply, cry, Cy, Dai, defy, deny, Di, die, do-or-die, dry, Dubai, dye, espy, eye, fie, fly, forbye, fry, Frye, goodbye (US goodby), guy, hereby, hi, hie, high, I, imply, I-spy, July, kai, lie, lye, Mackay, misapply, my, nearby, nigh, Nye, outfly, passer-by, phi, pi, pie, ply, pry, psi, Qinghai, rai, rely, rocaille, rye, scry, serai, shanghai, shy, sigh, sky, Skye, sky-high, sly, spin-dry, spry, spy, sty, Sukhotai, supply, Tai, Thai, thereby, thigh, thy, tie, Transkei, tumble-dry, underlie, Versailles, Vi, vie, whereby, why, wry, Wye, xi, Xingtai, Yantai

TRY²

abbreviation

Turkish lira (or lire).

Definition of try in US English:

try

verbtrītraɪ

1no object Make an attempt or effort to do something.
with infinitive he tried to regain his breath
I started to try and untangle the mystery
I decided to try writing fiction
with object three times he tried the maneuver and three times he failed
none of them tried very hard
Example sentencesExamples
- I tried to be a sales executive, a sailor and even got married to try and fit into the role of a good wife.
- I wish that there were attempts to try and circulate the information to young women that they do have a choice.
- All members and players please try and make an effort to attend meeting as it is a very important event.
- He opened his eyes again with great effort and tried to comprehend what he was looking at.
- Either way, I am going to start making a dedicated effort to try and stop using those words myself.
- We were disrupted by efforts to try and merge our information systems and find new headquarters.
- I didn't try and listen or believe your side of the story even when you tried to tell me.
- I made one last effort to try and reason with our doctor, but it was all for nothing.
- So we though we would give it a try and much to our surprise from the very first time that we tried to grow these blood vessels it worked.
- The white nuns who came here made a big effort to try and teach your mother.
- She tried to make herself fall asleep so she could try and forget the situation she was in.
- Now the next step is launching an effort to try and make sure that we can take costs out of the system.
- With effort, he tried to sit up and the hot, white pain that coursed through him was more than he could bear.
- If that is the case, you really should make an effort to try and catch him while you can.
- I have spent a lot of time, effort and money to try and put together the next project.
- If she can just make an effort to try and be better, she can actually live a much better life.
- This week I tried to make an effort shake the lethargy which has plagued me recently.
- He grabbed one of the snowshoes and with a bit of effort tried to clear some of the snow.
- Nash tried to brake and the last thing I remember was his arm flinging out to try and stop me from flying out of the car.
- We'll try and play the way we have tried to play the last two Test matches.
Synonyms
attempt, endeavour, make an effort, exert oneself, seek, strive, struggle, do one's best, do one's utmost, do all one can
1. 1.1with object Use, test, or do (something new or different) in order to see if it is suitable, effective, or pleasant.
  everyone wanted to know if I'd tried jellied eel
  these methods are tried and tested
  Example sentencesExamples
  He said there was no reason the new system could not work, that it was tried and tested all over Europe.
  Granted it wasn't tried and tested, but, it did have a basis on common sense.
  This was our tried and tested pattern for five out of the six days.
  The oil has been tried and tested throughout the season and offers extremely good durability.
  There are many tried and tested methods that have been used in Europe before.
  Parents will be able to try different sorts and if they like them can buy their own stock.
  They are the result of centuries of experience and wisdom, tried and tested.
  His methods, he admits, are not new but have been tried and tested in Canada.
  Now we have tried and tested it with bluechips and there are definite signs of an upturn.
  Popular-yet-dormant brands, and tried and tested formulae are revived and revisited all the time.
  Several top football countries use this system so it is tried and tested.
  To scientists a theory is an idea that has been tried and tested by experiments and has passed every test.
  The genre has certain formulaic elements, tried and tested in their saleability.
  Science fact is that IVF with donor eggs is a tried and tested way to help infertile couples have children.
  A few approaches to this problem have been tried in different countries in the last two decades.
  Our combinations are tried and tested in many cases, which does help.
  Please bear in mind that I have seen a lot of therapists who try different kinds of therapy.
  They are all productions that are tried and tested and that are not usually that complex.
  Sadly, the idea of the game has been tried and tested so many times it seems old hat now.
  The important point is that the stallion will have been tried and tested in the toughest race of all.
  Synonyms
  test, try out, check out, put to the test, experiment with
  test, trial, experiment with, pilot
2. 1.2try for Attempt to achieve or attain.
  they decided to try for another baby
  Example sentencesExamples
  One in seven UK couples trying for a baby experience delays in conceiving.
  The devastated parents, who already had a daughter, risked trying for another child and had a second healthy baby girl.
  Despite everything, a year later they decided to try for a baby again.
  Existing advice is for pregnant women and those trying for a baby is not to eat large amounts of the species because of concerns over mercury.
  The couple had been trying for a baby for a while but Judith had trouble conceiving because she suffers from polycystic ovaries.
  He has then agreed that we can then start trying for a family.
  The reason for this is because they had been trying for a baby for the last few years.
  His devoted parents have been trying for several years to have a baby whose donated stem cells might restore him to health.
  She and her husband were trying for children when he was struck down with meningitis and was maintained on a life support machine in a coma.
  The couple decided to try for a baby without seeking specialist advice in case they were warned off due to the risks involved.
  They are reportedly trying for a reunion with the help of a marriage counsellor.
  Sheila is determined to rebuild her family and the couple are already trying for another baby.
  You may feel you're ready to start trying for a baby immediately.
  The first two attempts had failed and the third attempt was my last chance to try for a baby.
  We loved each other, we were trying for a baby and I knew it was what he wanted.
  But he says he is trying for roles that have him playing more than just the perfect romantic.
  Regular exercise is also important for men and women to improve their health before trying for a baby.
  She and her husband have been trying for a baby for years and she's finally pregnant.
  To be classified as infertile, the couple need to be actively trying for a baby for one year.
  Today, you'll be pleased to hear that Amelia has got married to a lovely chap and they're now trying for a baby.
3. 1.3try out forNorth American Compete or audition in order to join (a team) or be given (a position)
  she tried out for the team
  Example sentencesExamples
  She decided to enroll at and compete for UCLA in the fall, instead of trying out for Canada's team that will compete at the World Championships in late October.
  Rae was trying out for the track-and-field team and the newspaper as a sports writer.
  State rules even barred them from trying out for boys' teams.
  By the way, you said you play tennis - are you interested in trying out for the team?
  So if any of you are interested in coming and trying out for this audition then grab one of these papers on my desk before you leave class.
  She was still trying to think up a way to get out of trying out for the dance team.
  Are you going to be trying out for the cheerleading team?
  ‘Hey, I heard he's trying out for the football team,’ Mackenzie suddenly remembered.
  ‘I tried out for every sports team a freshman could try out for and was cut in the first round every time,’ explains Fiona, 14.
  If there was another girl trying out for the team, Alex was going to make sure she was good.
  Actually, I'm trying out for the tennis team tomorrow afternoon, so I could comment on that.
  Of course, they wanted to know why she wasn't trying out for the basketball team the next year.
  ‘I heard from Michael you're trying out for the swim team,’ he then said.
  Then he went back to his conversation about trying out for the football team.
  Simon was so good, in fact, that he went on to compete at the national level before trying out for professional teams, although his eyesight, of all things, kept him from making the grade.
  Mark and Benny were trying out for the hockey team.
  Natalie is trying out for the school team on January 22.
  Go for honor roll, or try out for the softball team.
  Tanya tries out for the soccer team but doesn't make the cut.
  She must be as excited as me before freshman year when I was trying out for the varsity team for the first time.
4. 1.4with object Go to (a place) or attempt to contact (someone), typically in order to obtain something.
  I've tried the apartment, but the number is busy
  Example sentencesExamples
  He tried the house, but we were not home.
  We tried the apartment, but after that we didn't know where to call.
5. 1.5with object Push or pull (a door or window) to determine whether it is locked.
  I tried the doors, but they were locked
  Example sentencesExamples
  Then, stealthily, the person darted over to another door and tried the handle.
  He knocks, then disappears around the side of the house and tries the back door.
  Getting no answer at the back door, he tried it and found it opened to his push.
  Bernard paid for his tea and took the lift to the 2nd floor and tried the door of the banquet hall, which opened.
  The Post Office was closed after the incident and this afternoon local people were trying the front door.
  She tried the windows but they were also locked and when she threw things at them they didn't even crack.
  Why they didn't try the front door was a mystery, but not a mystery she wanted to solve.
  Our hero comes for his interview, in the middle of the day, and tries the left door, to no avail.
  He moved along using feather steps and tried every door until he reached the last one.
  With the guards now completely stationary, he tries the door.
  In case any of you ever find yourself in this situation, the smart thing to do is to try the door.
  I tried a door that I thought was the emergency exit, but opened it to find a room full of people.
  Kate tried the door when she finally got there but it was locked and her key didn't work.
  Once he turned the corner and was out of the guard's view, Matt tried one of the doors.
  He tried the door again and discovered that it wasn't locked, just a little stuck.
  After a replay of Wednesday's close and the titles, David tries the door but cannot get it open.
  After looking through the letter box the youth tried the front door and went inside the house.
  At his front door, a somewhat buxom blonde lady with very high heels and a very short skirt was trying the front door lock.
  Sadia tries the door to see how sturdy it is and checks in which direction it opens.
  I stopped a foot away from the door at the end of the hallway and tried the door handle.
6. 1.6with object Make severe demands on (a person or a quality, typically patience)
  Mary tried everyone's patience to the limit
  Example sentencesExamples
  Don't get me wrong, I really enjoy my job, I might even venture to say I love it, but it sometimes tries my patience.
  Antoine is annoyed that Helene was late meeting him after work, and the heavy traffic tries his patience.
  As cricket has discovered the game has to be approachable and rain delays try the patience of everyone.
  After a year of sustained eyebrow raising and boomerang pints, they now no longer try my patience or my vocal chords.
  But that's only the first of a number of instances in which he tries our patience.
  They know dawdling only tries the government's patience.
  As it is, literally having to watch the grass grow starts to sorely try the patience.
  It is a game that rewards perseverance but tries your patience.
  Well, there is an answer to that-but I have tried the reader's patience long enough.
  She tried my patience sometimes, but equally I probably didn't give enough of a chance.
  I didn't really have to try my patience because I didn't make any big mistakes.
  As well as trying taxpayers' patience, the worsening gridlock is costing big money.
  What he said went without argument and we knew better than to try his patience, and anyway, he kept his cane within easy reach.
  His tribulations at a sport at which he previously naturally excelled would have tried the patience of a saint.
  But if it tries the moviegoer's patience, the film never cedes its fascination.
  Synonyms
  tax, make severe demands on, strain, put a strain on, test, stretch, sap, drain, exhaust, wear out, tire out, weary
2usually be triedwith object Subject (someone) to trial.
he was arrested and tried for the murder
Example sentencesExamples
- They purged Parliament in December, tried him, and had him executed in January 1649.
- The great majority of war criminals were tried in the territories where the crimes were committed.
- He refused to serve on the court that tried Charles I but joined the Council of State in 1652.
- In due course, the great majority of war criminals were tried under a national jurisdiction.
- Cromwell, who had wanted to spare the King, saw no way out but to try him for treason.
- She was tried by one judge, rather than by a panel of three, as required by law.
- A few junior officers were tried by a military tribunal and given light sentences.
- Her nine-day reign was followed by the Roman Catholic Queen Mary, who tried him for treason.
- He was tried before a judge sitting alone and convicted of three counts of murder and appealed.
- He was tried, after a fashion, and turned over to the Roman prefect, with the recommendation that he be executed.
- With other conspirators he was tried and sentenced to death on a charge of treason in November 1553.
- After the war many camp officials were tried and punished, but others escaped.
- Sam was duly tried and convicted on the conspiracy count but the Appellant was not called as a witness at that trial.
- Within two days, both men were tried, convicted and sentenced to two years' jail.
- For that crime, she was tried, convicted, and sent back to slavery, thus restoring his property.
- He was tried as a Nazi collaborator in 1946 but was acquitted and allowed to resume his career.
- One of its first orders is to set up special tribunals to try members of the former regime.
- The soldiers were subsequently tried by a regimental court martial and acquitted.
- The court will try individuals accused of committing genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity.
1. 2.1 Investigate and decide (a case or issue) in a formal trial.
  such cases must be tried by a jury
  Example sentencesExamples
  The actions were consolidated and the judge agreed to try preliminary issues which are the subject of this appeal.
  This delay is within the ambit of what might be considered inherent in trying a case.
  Attorneys who try cases at the courthouse said they had not seen him wearing it before.
  The information is invalid and as such this Court has no jurisdiction to try the issue arising therefrom.
  This I have done and I have told him that I can see no reason why I should not continue to try the case.
  Synonyms
  adjudicate, consider, hear, pass judgement on, adjudge, examine
3with object Smooth (roughly planed wood) with a plane to give an accurately flat surface.
4with object Extract (oil or fat) by heating.
some of the fat may be tried out and used
Example sentencesExamples
- Then after they had cut it up, she tried out the fat and made a great quantity of oil from the bear.
- Then he built a big fire and skinned the bears, and tried out the fat and poured it into a hollow in the ground.
- He tried out the fat and made lard.

nountrītraɪ

1An effort to accomplish something; an attempt.
Mitterrand was elected president on his third try
Example sentencesExamples
- Otherwise why would they have come back for a second and a third try?
- It took me a few tries and a lot of effort before I was able to stand upright.
- Then my foot slipped off on only the second move of my third try.
- The second and third tries in a different spot on his finger were also unsuccessful.
- Sometimes, first tries and the limits of low budgets make better films, never mind the special effects improvements.
- What made the difference was sleeping after having a first few tries at the problems involved.
- To my astonishment, I make it up on my second attempt and by the third try I manage to stay up for a full three minutes.
- The chef handed her some paper, and she took around five tries to get a suitable signature.
- It just took me a few weeks and just a few tries to accomplish all that.
- On the second or third try, I got my glasses on a tiny wren half hidden in the grasses.
- The blistering cold wore on the engine kept it from staring until the third try.
- Yet in my exhausting tries, I couldn't concentrate on making a conscious effort of it, not while this sheep dog was left standing.
Synonyms
attempt, go, effort, endeavour, bid
1. 1.1 An act of doing, using, or testing something new or different to see if it is suitable, effective, or pleasant.
  they should give the idea a try
  Example sentencesExamples
  If you're already prepared to give the essay a try, you can find a download page here.
  Even if the idea seems strange, give it a try, as you have nothing to lose, but only to gain.
  If you wonder how you will look with different eye colors, give color contacts a try.
  After a few more tries, I finally gave up and turned to examine myself in the mirror.
  I didn't even know if asking her was a good idea or not, but I'll give it a try and see what happens.
  He should have allowed for one more try of a different sort to see if it might be possible to get some movement.
  It was getting excellent reviews there, so I decided to give it a try.
  However if you do give this form of fishing a try you may be pleasantly surprised.
  If yes, definitely give it a try, but don't think only in terms of accomplishing anything.
2Rugby
An act of touching the ball down behind the opposing goal line, scoring points and entitling the scoring side to a goal kick.
Example sentencesExamples
- The action was fast moving and skilful, enterprising and well judged and both sides produced two tries and two penalty kicks.
- We can find out about games played, tries scored, goals kicked, brothers and fathers, referees, captains and so on.
- In his career, he has played more than 260 professional matches, scoring 78 tries and kicking 100 goals and five drop goals.
- Players score tries by getting the ball over the opponents' touchline.
- While he was off the pitch the Giants scored two tries and a drop goal took their lead to 15-12.

Usage

In practice, there is little discernible difference in meaning between try to plus infinitive (we should try to help them) and try and plus infinitive (we should try and help them), but there is a difference in formality, with try to being regarded as more formal than try and. Beyond the issue of formality, the construction try and is grammatically odd, in that it cannot be inflected for tense—that is, sentences like she tried and fix it or they are trying and renew their visa are not acceptable, while their equivalents she tried to fix it or they are trying to renew their visa obviously are. For this reason, try and is best regarded as a fixed idiom used only in its infinitive and imperative form. See also and

Phrases

I (or he etc.) will try anything once

Used to indicate willingness to do or experience something new.
Example sentencesExamples
- I enjoy long walks on the beach, going to the park, jigsaw puzzles, reading a good book, swimming and I will try anything once.
- I will always love Michael, he never stops excelling and has no boundaries with his music, he will try anything once.
- I am not much of a prissy kind of girl, I will try anything once.
- He is a sport, he will try anything once.
- I have a strict policy with food whilst travelling: I will try anything once.
- ‘I will try anything once,’ she declared, and proved it in her eighties by flying on Concorde, taking a trip in a helicopter and ascending in a hot air balloon.
- While I haven't been exposed to a lot of exotic places or foods, I am just not a very picky eater and I will try anything once.
- I like everything, and I will try anything once, but for the most part I go for a simple style with clean lines.

try something on for size

Assess whether something is suitable.
he was trying on the role for size
Example sentencesExamples
- ‘Sarah’, Sari repeated, trying it on for size it seemed.
- If that one episode isn't enough to convince you that season five is better at everything than you will ever be at anything, try these quotes on for size.
- Since we are speculating, nevertheless, we could try these questions on for size.
- Tesco, by contrast, tried the idea on for size, pioneering limited online shopping services in a single store before instigating a carefully planned rollout.
- Children try the world on for size through play.
- She tries ideas on for size and asks you if they fit.
- I won't go on too much about money-saving tips now, but try these articles for size.
- It was a different kind of acting, because the feelings were real, but it was like the two of them were trying the feelings on for size, like clothes to see if they fitted, and to see if they suited them.
- So perhaps we shouldn't take it too seriously, but try these statements on for size.
- Asked how he feels about one hack's overwrought description of him as ‘the feathercut prince of the blues ‘, he frowns, repeats the phrase slowly and inquisitively as if trying it on for size, then quickly changes the subject.’
Synonyms
test, try out, check out, put to the test, experiment with

try one's hand at

Attempt to do (something) for the first time, typically in order to find out if one is good at it.
a chance to try your hand at the ancient art of drystone walling
Example sentencesExamples
- The night will also provide dancing until midnight and a chance to try your hand at a game of roulette or blackjack.
- You will have success in whatever you try your hand at.
- She is looking forward to a long holiday in Canada visiting family and hopes to try her hand at something different during her retirement.
- We intend to buy a rundown property: it's something we have always fancied trying our hand at - a blank canvas on which to make our mark.
- As well as the chance to try their hand at calligraphy, youngsters got up close to a variety of weapons such as a Celtic sword and 17th century rapier.
- He even tried his hand at drawing in an attempt to capture the movement of the situations he found fascinating, but later realised that the camera does a better job, he says.
- He now tried his hand at politics, seeking a better deal for sailors and soldiers.
- Those going along have the chance to try their hand at various activities including abseiling, rock climbing and orienteering.
- The children tried their hand at more than one game.
- Now he is trying his hand at more formal history.
Synonyms
make an attempt at, have a shot at

try it on

1informal Attempt to deceive or seduce someone.
you'd better not be trying it on with me
Example sentencesExamples
- "He's trying it on with me but he's got a 7 months pregnant girlfriend!"
- The line manager should not be 'trying it on' with workers - that is sexual harassment.
1. 1.1Deliberately test someone's patience to see how much one can get away with.

try me

Used to suggest that one may be willing to do something unexpected or unlikely.
“You won't use a gun up here.” “Try me.”
Example sentencesExamples
- ‘C'mon, try me,’ he murmurs, glancing quickly in Tom's direction.
- If they do not take me as serious, they have to try me.
- I laughed at this at first, and told my mate ‘Oh yeah, try me then.’
- ‘Maybe you should try me, Bryan,’ Dani said angrily.
- I think my life has given me plenty of understanding, so try me.
- I simply tossed my long curls over my shoulder and practically dared them to try me.
- ‘Then try me,’ said Jill as she took a quarter from her pocket.
- You can't tell me because I wouldn't understand it,’ he replied sarcastically, ‘Why don't you just try me.’

Phrasal Verbs

try something on

Put on an item of clothing to see if it fits or suits one.
Example sentencesExamples
- I'll try them on again first, but I'm really not keen on the skirt.
- His brother was trying the uniform on for the first time.
- It was even more depressing trying the things on, since everything seemed designed to make you look as frumpy as possible.
- Like with any piece of clothing, you really need to try jeans on to see how they work.
- I don't necessarily want to buy lots of stuff, I just want the shopping experience of going from shop to shop, trying things on and maybe making a couple of sound purchases.
- I'd prefer it if you could just pick up clothes and not have to try them on.
- First I went through the racks of clothing and tried them on.
- She said: ‘I have always loved hats and drag my friends round lots of shops so I can try them on.’
- Some male customers felt uncomfortable when women were there as they were trying things on.
- You've really got to try them on, and see what range of choice is available.

try someone/something out

Test someone or something new or different to assess their suitability or effectiveness.
I try out new recipes on my daughter
Example sentencesExamples
- Simply buy a pair of each, try them out on different days during different activities, and then choose the best one.
- Don't be shy about bringing a swatch of fabric to the paint store or even buying small amounts of paint and trying them out before deciding what works.
- Come up with your own ideas, try them out - and share them with other activists.
- I highly recommend trying them out if you haven't already.
- Necessary alterations were made on the garments after trying them out on children.
- And even when the recipes left me virtually salivating at the prospect of trying them out, I was discouraged by the fact that they required ingredients unlikely to be found in the pantries of anyone but the most dedicated foodie.
- So she began experimenting on making home-made beauty products and trying them out on girlfriends.
- Many successful traders will test strategies and set-ups on practice accounts before they try them out with real money.
- Plant them in containers to begin with, so you can try them out in different positions.
- He said: ‘I have so many ideas at the moment, so I am just trying them out.’

Origin

Middle English: from Old French trier ‘sift’, of unknown origin. Sense 1 of the noun dates from the early 17th century.

单词	try
释义	try¹ verbPlural tries, tried, trying trʌɪ 1no object Make an attempt or effort to do something. with infinitive he tried to regain his breath I started to try and untangle the mystery I decided to try writing fiction with object three times he tried the manoeuvre and three times he failed Example sentencesExamples He grabbed one of the snowshoes and with a bit of effort tried to clear some of the snow. All members and players please try and make an effort to attend meeting as it is a very important event. Either way, I am going to start making a dedicated effort to try and stop using those words myself. I have spent a lot of time, effort and money to try and put together the next project. I tried to be a sales executive, a sailor and even got married to try and fit into the role of a good wife. We'll try and play the way we have tried to play the last two Test matches. If that is the case, you really should make an effort to try and catch him while you can. She tried to make herself fall asleep so she could try and forget the situation she was in. Now the next step is launching an effort to try and make sure that we can take costs out of the system. We were disrupted by efforts to try and merge our information systems and find new headquarters. So we though we would give it a try and much to our surprise from the very first time that we tried to grow these blood vessels it worked. Nash tried to brake and the last thing I remember was his arm flinging out to try and stop me from flying out of the car. I didn't try and listen or believe your side of the story even when you tried to tell me. I made one last effort to try and reason with our doctor, but it was all for nothing. He opened his eyes again with great effort and tried to comprehend what he was looking at. This week I tried to make an effort shake the lethargy which has plagued me recently. If she can just make an effort to try and be better, she can actually live a much better life. The white nuns who came here made a big effort to try and teach your mother. I wish that there were attempts to try and circulate the information to young women that they do have a choice. With effort, he tried to sit up and the hot, white pain that coursed through him was more than he could bear. Synonyms attempt, endeavour, make an effort, exert oneself, seek, strive, struggle, do one's best, do one's utmost, do all one can undertake, aim, set out, take it on oneself try one's hand at informal have a go/shot/crack/stab/bash, give it one's best shot, bend/lean over backwards, bust a gut, do one's damnedest, pull out all the stops, go all out, go for broke, knock oneself out, break one's neck, move heaven and earth Australian/New Zealand informal give it a burl, give it a fly formal essay archaic assay 1.1also try something outwith object Use, test, or do (something new or different) in order to see if it is suitable, effective, or pleasant. everyone wanted to know if I'd tried jellied eel these methods are tried and tested Example sentencesExamples Science fact is that IVF with donor eggs is a tried and tested way to help infertile couples have children. The important point is that the stallion will have been tried and tested in the toughest race of all. There are many tried and tested methods that have been used in Europe before. Parents will be able to try different sorts and if they like them can buy their own stock. Granted it wasn't tried and tested, but, it did have a basis on common sense. The oil has been tried and tested throughout the season and offers extremely good durability. To scientists a theory is an idea that has been tried and tested by experiments and has passed every test. His methods, he admits, are not new but have been tried and tested in Canada. The genre has certain formulaic elements, tried and tested in their saleability. This was our tried and tested pattern for five out of the six days. They are all productions that are tried and tested and that are not usually that complex. Several top football countries use this system so it is tried and tested. He said there was no reason the new system could not work, that it was tried and tested all over Europe. Please bear in mind that I have seen a lot of therapists who try different kinds of therapy. They are the result of centuries of experience and wisdom, tried and tested. Now we have tried and tested it with bluechips and there are definite signs of an upturn. A few approaches to this problem have been tried in different countries in the last two decades. Our combinations are tried and tested in many cases, which does help. Sadly, the idea of the game has been tried and tested so many times it seems old hat now. Popular-yet-dormant brands, and tried and tested formulae are revived and revisited all the time. Synonyms test, trial, experiment with, pilot put to the test, put through its paces, put into practice assess, evaluate 1.2try for Attempt to achieve or attain. they decided to try for another baby Example sentencesExamples The couple decided to try for a baby without seeking specialist advice in case they were warned off due to the risks involved. To be classified as infertile, the couple need to be actively trying for a baby for one year. He has then agreed that we can then start trying for a family. They are reportedly trying for a reunion with the help of a marriage counsellor. The reason for this is because they had been trying for a baby for the last few years. We loved each other, we were trying for a baby and I knew it was what he wanted. The couple had been trying for a baby for a while but Judith had trouble conceiving because she suffers from polycystic ovaries. She and her husband have been trying for a baby for years and she's finally pregnant. Existing advice is for pregnant women and those trying for a baby is not to eat large amounts of the species because of concerns over mercury. The devastated parents, who already had a daughter, risked trying for another child and had a second healthy baby girl. You may feel you're ready to start trying for a baby immediately. But he says he is trying for roles that have him playing more than just the perfect romantic. One in seven UK couples trying for a baby experience delays in conceiving. The first two attempts had failed and the third attempt was my last chance to try for a baby. Sheila is determined to rebuild her family and the couple are already trying for another baby. Regular exercise is also important for men and women to improve their health before trying for a baby. Today, you'll be pleased to hear that Amelia has got married to a lovely chap and they're now trying for a baby. She and her husband were trying for children when he was struck down with meningitis and was maintained on a life support machine in a coma. Despite everything, a year later they decided to try for a baby again. His devoted parents have been trying for several years to have a baby whose donated stem cells might restore him to health. 1.3try out forNorth American Compete or audition for (a post or place on a team) she tried out for the team Example sentencesExamples If there was another girl trying out for the team, Alex was going to make sure she was good. ‘I tried out for every sports team a freshman could try out for and was cut in the first round every time,’ explains Fiona, 14. ‘Hey, I heard he's trying out for the football team,’ Mackenzie suddenly remembered. Go for honor roll, or try out for the softball team. ‘I heard from Michael you're trying out for the swim team,’ he then said. State rules even barred them from trying out for boys' teams. Of course, they wanted to know why she wasn't trying out for the basketball team the next year. Tanya tries out for the soccer team but doesn't make the cut. Mark and Benny were trying out for the hockey team. She decided to enroll at and compete for UCLA in the fall, instead of trying out for Canada's team that will compete at the World Championships in late October. By the way, you said you play tennis - are you interested in trying out for the team? Actually, I'm trying out for the tennis team tomorrow afternoon, so I could comment on that. Natalie is trying out for the school team on January 22. Are you going to be trying out for the cheerleading team? So if any of you are interested in coming and trying out for this audition then grab one of these papers on my desk before you leave class. She was still trying to think up a way to get out of trying out for the dance team. Rae was trying out for the track-and-field team and the newspaper as a sports writer. Simon was so good, in fact, that he went on to compete at the national level before trying out for professional teams, although his eyesight, of all things, kept him from making the grade. Then he went back to his conversation about trying out for the football team. She must be as excited as me before freshman year when I was trying out for the varsity team for the first time. 1.4with object Attempt to contact. I've tried the apartment, but the number is engaged Example sentencesExamples He tried the house, but we were not home. We tried the apartment, but after that we didn't know where to call. 1.5with object Push or pull (a door or window) to determine whether it is locked. I tried the doors, but they were locked Example sentencesExamples Getting no answer at the back door, he tried it and found it opened to his push. With the guards now completely stationary, he tries the door. After a replay of Wednesday's close and the titles, David tries the door but cannot get it open. I tried a door that I thought was the emergency exit, but opened it to find a room full of people. Bernard paid for his tea and took the lift to the 2nd floor and tried the door of the banquet hall, which opened. I stopped a foot away from the door at the end of the hallway and tried the door handle. Then, stealthily, the person darted over to another door and tried the handle. She tried the windows but they were also locked and when she threw things at them they didn't even crack. After looking through the letter box the youth tried the front door and went inside the house. Sadia tries the door to see how sturdy it is and checks in which direction it opens. Our hero comes for his interview, in the middle of the day, and tries the left door, to no avail. Why they didn't try the front door was a mystery, but not a mystery she wanted to solve. The Post Office was closed after the incident and this afternoon local people were trying the front door. He knocks, then disappears around the side of the house and tries the back door. In case any of you ever find yourself in this situation, the smart thing to do is to try the door. Kate tried the door when she finally got there but it was locked and her key didn't work. He tried the door again and discovered that it wasn't locked, just a little stuck. He moved along using feather steps and tried every door until he reached the last one. Once he turned the corner and was out of the guard's view, Matt tried one of the doors. At his front door, a somewhat buxom blonde lady with very high heels and a very short skirt was trying the front door lock. 1.6with object Make severe demands on (a person or a quality, typically patience) Mary tried everyone's patience to the limit Example sentencesExamples As cricket has discovered the game has to be approachable and rain delays try the patience of everyone. After a year of sustained eyebrow raising and boomerang pints, they now no longer try my patience or my vocal chords. It is a game that rewards perseverance but tries your patience. Antoine is annoyed that Helene was late meeting him after work, and the heavy traffic tries his patience. But if it tries the moviegoer's patience, the film never cedes its fascination. As it is, literally having to watch the grass grow starts to sorely try the patience. Well, there is an answer to that-but I have tried the reader's patience long enough. His tribulations at a sport at which he previously naturally excelled would have tried the patience of a saint. But that's only the first of a number of instances in which he tries our patience. I didn't really have to try my patience because I didn't make any big mistakes. They know dawdling only tries the government's patience. What he said went without argument and we knew better than to try his patience, and anyway, he kept his cane within easy reach. As well as trying taxpayers' patience, the worsening gridlock is costing big money. She tried my patience sometimes, but equally I probably didn't give enough of a chance. Don't get me wrong, I really enjoy my job, I might even venture to say I love it, but it sometimes tries my patience. Synonyms tax, make severe demands on, strain, put a strain on, test, stretch, sap, drain, exhaust, wear out, tire out, weary 2with object Subject (someone) to trial. he was arrested and tried for the murder Example sentencesExamples He was tried as a Nazi collaborator in 1946 but was acquitted and allowed to resume his career. The court will try individuals accused of committing genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity. Sam was duly tried and convicted on the conspiracy count but the Appellant was not called as a witness at that trial. Within two days, both men were tried, convicted and sentenced to two years' jail. The soldiers were subsequently tried by a regimental court martial and acquitted. One of its first orders is to set up special tribunals to try members of the former regime. In due course, the great majority of war criminals were tried under a national jurisdiction. He was tried before a judge sitting alone and convicted of three counts of murder and appealed. Her nine-day reign was followed by the Roman Catholic Queen Mary, who tried him for treason. He refused to serve on the court that tried Charles I but joined the Council of State in 1652. The great majority of war criminals were tried in the territories where the crimes were committed. A few junior officers were tried by a military tribunal and given light sentences. After the war many camp officials were tried and punished, but others escaped. For that crime, she was tried, convicted, and sent back to slavery, thus restoring his property. They purged Parliament in December, tried him, and had him executed in January 1649. He was tried, after a fashion, and turned over to the Roman prefect, with the recommendation that he be executed. Cromwell, who had wanted to spare the King, saw no way out but to try him for treason. She was tried by one judge, rather than by a panel of three, as required by law. With other conspirators he was tried and sentenced to death on a charge of treason in November 1553. 2.1 Investigate and decide (a case or issue) in a formal trial. the case is to be tried by a jury in the Crown Court Example sentencesExamples Attorneys who try cases at the courthouse said they had not seen him wearing it before. The information is invalid and as such this Court has no jurisdiction to try the issue arising therefrom. This delay is within the ambit of what might be considered inherent in trying a case. The actions were consolidated and the judge agreed to try preliminary issues which are the subject of this appeal. This I have done and I have told him that I can see no reason why I should not continue to try the case. Synonyms adjudicate, consider, hear, pass judgement on, adjudge, examine 3with object Smooth (roughly planed wood) with a plane to give an accurately flat surface. 4with object Extract (oil or fat) by heating. some of the fat may be tried out and used Example sentencesExamples He tried out the fat and made lard. Then he built a big fire and skinned the bears, and tried out the fat and poured it into a hollow in the ground. Then after they had cut it up, she tried out the fat and made a great quantity of oil from the bear. nounPlural tries trʌɪ 1An effort to accomplish something; an attempt. he got his membership card on his third try Example sentencesExamples The second and third tries in a different spot on his finger were also unsuccessful. Then my foot slipped off on only the second move of my third try. It just took me a few weeks and just a few tries to accomplish all that. The chef handed her some paper, and she took around five tries to get a suitable signature. Otherwise why would they have come back for a second and a third try? To my astonishment, I make it up on my second attempt and by the third try I manage to stay up for a full three minutes. On the second or third try, I got my glasses on a tiny wren half hidden in the grasses. Yet in my exhausting tries, I couldn't concentrate on making a conscious effort of it, not while this sheep dog was left standing. It took me a few tries and a lot of effort before I was able to stand upright. The blistering cold wore on the engine kept it from staring until the third try. What made the difference was sleeping after having a first few tries at the problems involved. Sometimes, first tries and the limits of low budgets make better films, never mind the special effects improvements. Synonyms attempt, go, effort, endeavour, bid informal shot, crack, stab, bash, whack formal essay 1.1 An act of trying something new or different to see if it is suitable, effective, or pleasant. she agreed that they should give the idea a try Example sentencesExamples He should have allowed for one more try of a different sort to see if it might be possible to get some movement. Even if the idea seems strange, give it a try, as you have nothing to lose, but only to gain. If you're already prepared to give the essay a try, you can find a download page here. However if you do give this form of fishing a try you may be pleasantly surprised. After a few more tries, I finally gave up and turned to examine myself in the mirror. If yes, definitely give it a try, but don't think only in terms of accomplishing anything. It was getting excellent reviews there, so I decided to give it a try. I didn't even know if asking her was a good idea or not, but I'll give it a try and see what happens. If you wonder how you will look with different eye colors, give color contacts a try. 2Rugby An act of touching the ball down behind the opposing goal line, scoring points and entitling the scoring side to a kick at goal. Example sentencesExamples In his career, he has played more than 260 professional matches, scoring 78 tries and kicking 100 goals and five drop goals. The action was fast moving and skilful, enterprising and well judged and both sides produced two tries and two penalty kicks. Players score tries by getting the ball over the opponents' touchline. While he was off the pitch the Giants scored two tries and a drop goal took their lead to 15-12. We can find out about games played, tries scored, goals kicked, brothers and fathers, referees, captains and so on. 2.1American Football An attempt to score an extra point after a touchdown. Example sentencesExamples Philadelphia converted one of every three third-down tries. Seattle came up short on the road for the sixth time in seven tries this season. If the Packers plan to win their 10th game in 11 tries against the Niners, they'll have to control the ball with the running game. But he also had hit the left upright and right upright on a couple of other tries. In the four games leading up to the season finale, Brown missed six of 11 tries plus three extra points. Usage Is there any difference between try to plus infinitive and try and plus infinitive in sentences such as we should try to (or try and) help them? In practice there is little discernible difference in meaning, although there is a difference in formality, with try to being regarded as more formal than try and. The construction try and is grammatically odd, however, in that it cannot be inflected for tense (e.g. sentences like she tried and fix it or they are trying and renew their visa are not acceptable, while their equivalents she tried to fix it or they are trying to renew their visa undoubtedly are). For this reason try and is best regarded as a fixed idiom used only in its infinitive and imperative form. See also and Phrases I (or he etc.) will try anything once Used to indicate willingness to do or experience something new. Rosie was willing to try anything once Example sentencesExamples I am not much of a prissy kind of girl, I will try anything once. He is a sport, he will try anything once. I like everything, and I will try anything once, but for the most part I go for a simple style with clean lines. I will always love Michael, he never stops excelling and has no boundaries with his music, he will try anything once. ‘I will try anything once,’ she declared, and proved it in her eighties by flying on Concorde, taking a trip in a helicopter and ascending in a hot air balloon. I enjoy long walks on the beach, going to the park, jigsaw puzzles, reading a good book, swimming and I will try anything once. While I haven't been exposed to a lot of exotic places or foods, I am just not a very picky eater and I will try anything once. I have a strict policy with food whilst travelling: I will try anything once. not for lack (or want) of trying Used to express that considerable effort has been exerted even though success has not been attained. the band never quite gets it together, but it's not for lack of trying Example sentencesExamples This plan also failed, but not for lack of trying. I still haven't won a round, but it's not for lack of trying. It may be a poor film, but not for lack of trying. The legendary shaft and cavern have not been found either, though not for lack of trying. Those commitments that I haven't been able to keep, it's not for lack of trying. If he failed in this agenda, it was not for want of trying. He may not be a household name, but that's not for lack of trying. There are flicks I still haven't seen, not for want of trying. My wife and I have been together for 27 years and have no children, not for want of trying. try something (on) for size Assess whether something is suitable. he was trying the role for size Example sentencesExamples She tries ideas on for size and asks you if they fit. Children try the world on for size through play. I won't go on too much about money-saving tips now, but try these articles for size. Since we are speculating, nevertheless, we could try these questions on for size. It was a different kind of acting, because the feelings were real, but it was like the two of them were trying the feelings on for size, like clothes to see if they fitted, and to see if they suited them. If that one episode isn't enough to convince you that season five is better at everything than you will ever be at anything, try these quotes on for size. ‘Sarah’, Sari repeated, trying it on for size it seemed. Asked how he feels about one hack's overwrought description of him as ‘the feathercut prince of the blues ‘, he frowns, repeats the phrase slowly and inquisitively as if trying it on for size, then quickly changes the subject.’ Tesco, by contrast, tried the idea on for size, pioneering limited online shopping services in a single store before instigating a carefully planned rollout. So perhaps we shouldn't take it too seriously, but try these statements on for size. Synonyms test, try out, check out, put to the test, experiment with try for white historical (under the apartheid system) attempt to pass oneself off as a white person by assimilating oneself into a white community. he tried for white but was rejected and took on an African identity Example sentencesExamples It started in the 1960s and spilt over into the 1970s, a time when white-skinned people ‘of mixed descent’ consciously tried for white to acquire a privileged position in South African society. He recalled that when he went off to college he "tried for white," aping the manners and attitudes of the English and Afrikaners; rejected, he turned instead to the solace of black consciousness. She takes the audience on a sweeping journey from their childhood when they 'tried for white' by playing with white kids on the beach, to helping Patty confront the sacrifices she would have to make to be with the man she loved. try one's hand at Attempt to do (something) for the first time, typically in order to find out if one is good at it. a chance to try your hand at the ancient art of drystone walling Example sentencesExamples He now tried his hand at politics, seeking a better deal for sailors and soldiers. Now he is trying his hand at more formal history. He even tried his hand at drawing in an attempt to capture the movement of the situations he found fascinating, but later realised that the camera does a better job, he says. The night will also provide dancing until midnight and a chance to try your hand at a game of roulette or blackjack. You will have success in whatever you try your hand at. We intend to buy a rundown property: it's something we have always fancied trying our hand at - a blank canvas on which to make our mark. Those going along have the chance to try their hand at various activities including abseiling, rock climbing and orienteering. As well as the chance to try their hand at calligraphy, youngsters got up close to a variety of weapons such as a Celtic sword and 17th century rapier. The children tried their hand at more than one game. She is looking forward to a long holiday in Canada visiting family and hopes to try her hand at something different during her retirement. Synonyms make an attempt at, have a shot at try it on 1informal Attempt to deceive or seduce someone. you'd better not be trying it on with me Example sentencesExamples "He's trying it on with me but he's got a 7 months pregnant girlfriend!" The line manager should not be 'trying it on' with workers - that is sexual harassment. 1.1Deliberately test someone's patience to see how much one can get away with. try me Used to suggest that one may be willing to do something unexpected or unlikely. ‘You won't use a gun up here.’ ‘Try me.’ Example sentencesExamples ‘Maybe you should try me, Bryan,’ Dani said angrily. ‘C'mon, try me,’ he murmurs, glancing quickly in Tom's direction. I think my life has given me plenty of understanding, so try me. You can't tell me because I wouldn't understand it,’ he replied sarcastically, ‘Why don't you just try me.’ I laughed at this at first, and told my mate ‘Oh yeah, try me then.’ If they do not take me as serious, they have to try me. I simply tossed my long curls over my shoulder and practically dared them to try me. ‘Then try me,’ said Jill as she took a quarter from her pocket. Phrasal Verbs try something on Put on an item of clothing to see if it fits or suits one. Example sentencesExamples Like with any piece of clothing, you really need to try jeans on to see how they work. His brother was trying the uniform on for the first time. It was even more depressing trying the things on, since everything seemed designed to make you look as frumpy as possible. First I went through the racks of clothing and tried them on. You've really got to try them on, and see what range of choice is available. Some male customers felt uncomfortable when women were there as they were trying things on. I don't necessarily want to buy lots of stuff, I just want the shopping experience of going from shop to shop, trying things on and maybe making a couple of sound purchases. I'll try them on again first, but I'm really not keen on the skirt. She said: ‘I have always loved hats and drag my friends round lots of shops so I can try them on.’ I'd prefer it if you could just pick up clothes and not have to try them on. Origin Middle English: from Old French trier 'sift', of unknown origin. Sense 1 of the noun dates from the early 17th century. From Old French trier ‘to sift’, source also of trial (early 16th century). In rugby an act of touching the ball down behind the opposing goal line has been called a try since the 1840s. It got its name because a try gives the scoring side the right to try to kick a goal. The cliché try anything once, dates from the 1920s. The British conductor Sir Thomas Beecham (1879–1961) is generally credited with ‘You should try everything once except incest and morris dancing’, but the composer Sir Arnold Bax reported a similar comment in a 1943 autobiography. Rhymes ally, Altai, apply, assai, awry, ay, aye, Baha'i, belie, bi, Bligh, buy, by, bye, bye-bye, chi, Chiangmai, Ciskei, comply, cry, Cy, Dai, defy, deny, Di, die, do-or-die, dry, Dubai, dye, espy, eye, fie, fly, forbye, fry, Frye, goodbye (US goodby), guy, hereby, hi, hie, high, I, imply, I-spy, July, kai, lie, lye, Mackay, misapply, my, nearby, nigh, Nye, outfly, passer-by, phi, pi, pie, ply, pry, psi, Qinghai, rai, rely, rocaille, rye, scry, serai, shanghai, shy, sigh, sky, Skye, sky-high, sly, spin-dry, spry, spy, sty, Sukhotai, supply, Tai, Thai, thereby, thigh, thy, tie, Transkei, tumble-dry, underlie, Versailles, Vi, vie, whereby, why, wry, Wye, xi, Xingtai, Yantai TRY² abbreviation Turkish lira (or lire). verb.1 phr. phr.v. abbr.1 Definition of try in US English: try verbtrītraɪ 1no object Make an attempt or effort to do something. with infinitive he tried to regain his breath I started to try and untangle the mystery I decided to try writing fiction with object three times he tried the maneuver and three times he failed none of them tried very hard Example sentencesExamples I tried to be a sales executive, a sailor and even got married to try and fit into the role of a good wife. I wish that there were attempts to try and circulate the information to young women that they do have a choice. All members and players please try and make an effort to attend meeting as it is a very important event. He opened his eyes again with great effort and tried to comprehend what he was looking at. Either way, I am going to start making a dedicated effort to try and stop using those words myself. We were disrupted by efforts to try and merge our information systems and find new headquarters. I didn't try and listen or believe your side of the story even when you tried to tell me. I made one last effort to try and reason with our doctor, but it was all for nothing. So we though we would give it a try and much to our surprise from the very first time that we tried to grow these blood vessels it worked. The white nuns who came here made a big effort to try and teach your mother. She tried to make herself fall asleep so she could try and forget the situation she was in. Now the next step is launching an effort to try and make sure that we can take costs out of the system. With effort, he tried to sit up and the hot, white pain that coursed through him was more than he could bear. If that is the case, you really should make an effort to try and catch him while you can. I have spent a lot of time, effort and money to try and put together the next project. If she can just make an effort to try and be better, she can actually live a much better life. This week I tried to make an effort shake the lethargy which has plagued me recently. He grabbed one of the snowshoes and with a bit of effort tried to clear some of the snow. Nash tried to brake and the last thing I remember was his arm flinging out to try and stop me from flying out of the car. We'll try and play the way we have tried to play the last two Test matches. Synonyms attempt, endeavour, make an effort, exert oneself, seek, strive, struggle, do one's best, do one's utmost, do all one can 1.1with object Use, test, or do (something new or different) in order to see if it is suitable, effective, or pleasant. everyone wanted to know if I'd tried jellied eel these methods are tried and tested Example sentencesExamples He said there was no reason the new system could not work, that it was tried and tested all over Europe. Granted it wasn't tried and tested, but, it did have a basis on common sense. This was our tried and tested pattern for five out of the six days. The oil has been tried and tested throughout the season and offers extremely good durability. There are many tried and tested methods that have been used in Europe before. Parents will be able to try different sorts and if they like them can buy their own stock. They are the result of centuries of experience and wisdom, tried and tested. His methods, he admits, are not new but have been tried and tested in Canada. Now we have tried and tested it with bluechips and there are definite signs of an upturn. Popular-yet-dormant brands, and tried and tested formulae are revived and revisited all the time. Several top football countries use this system so it is tried and tested. To scientists a theory is an idea that has been tried and tested by experiments and has passed every test. The genre has certain formulaic elements, tried and tested in their saleability. Science fact is that IVF with donor eggs is a tried and tested way to help infertile couples have children. A few approaches to this problem have been tried in different countries in the last two decades. Our combinations are tried and tested in many cases, which does help. Please bear in mind that I have seen a lot of therapists who try different kinds of therapy. They are all productions that are tried and tested and that are not usually that complex. Sadly, the idea of the game has been tried and tested so many times it seems old hat now. The important point is that the stallion will have been tried and tested in the toughest race of all. Synonyms test, try out, check out, put to the test, experiment with test, trial, experiment with, pilot 1.2try for Attempt to achieve or attain. they decided to try for another baby Example sentencesExamples One in seven UK couples trying for a baby experience delays in conceiving. The devastated parents, who already had a daughter, risked trying for another child and had a second healthy baby girl. Despite everything, a year later they decided to try for a baby again. Existing advice is for pregnant women and those trying for a baby is not to eat large amounts of the species because of concerns over mercury. The couple had been trying for a baby for a while but Judith had trouble conceiving because she suffers from polycystic ovaries. He has then agreed that we can then start trying for a family. The reason for this is because they had been trying for a baby for the last few years. His devoted parents have been trying for several years to have a baby whose donated stem cells might restore him to health. She and her husband were trying for children when he was struck down with meningitis and was maintained on a life support machine in a coma. The couple decided to try for a baby without seeking specialist advice in case they were warned off due to the risks involved. They are reportedly trying for a reunion with the help of a marriage counsellor. Sheila is determined to rebuild her family and the couple are already trying for another baby. You may feel you're ready to start trying for a baby immediately. The first two attempts had failed and the third attempt was my last chance to try for a baby. We loved each other, we were trying for a baby and I knew it was what he wanted. But he says he is trying for roles that have him playing more than just the perfect romantic. Regular exercise is also important for men and women to improve their health before trying for a baby. She and her husband have been trying for a baby for years and she's finally pregnant. To be classified as infertile, the couple need to be actively trying for a baby for one year. Today, you'll be pleased to hear that Amelia has got married to a lovely chap and they're now trying for a baby. 1.3try out forNorth American Compete or audition in order to join (a team) or be given (a position) she tried out for the team Example sentencesExamples She decided to enroll at and compete for UCLA in the fall, instead of trying out for Canada's team that will compete at the World Championships in late October. Rae was trying out for the track-and-field team and the newspaper as a sports writer. State rules even barred them from trying out for boys' teams. By the way, you said you play tennis - are you interested in trying out for the team? So if any of you are interested in coming and trying out for this audition then grab one of these papers on my desk before you leave class. She was still trying to think up a way to get out of trying out for the dance team. Are you going to be trying out for the cheerleading team? ‘Hey, I heard he's trying out for the football team,’ Mackenzie suddenly remembered. ‘I tried out for every sports team a freshman could try out for and was cut in the first round every time,’ explains Fiona, 14. If there was another girl trying out for the team, Alex was going to make sure she was good. Actually, I'm trying out for the tennis team tomorrow afternoon, so I could comment on that. Of course, they wanted to know why she wasn't trying out for the basketball team the next year. ‘I heard from Michael you're trying out for the swim team,’ he then said. Then he went back to his conversation about trying out for the football team. Simon was so good, in fact, that he went on to compete at the national level before trying out for professional teams, although his eyesight, of all things, kept him from making the grade. Mark and Benny were trying out for the hockey team. Natalie is trying out for the school team on January 22. Go for honor roll, or try out for the softball team. Tanya tries out for the soccer team but doesn't make the cut. She must be as excited as me before freshman year when I was trying out for the varsity team for the first time. 1.4with object Go to (a place) or attempt to contact (someone), typically in order to obtain something. I've tried the apartment, but the number is busy Example sentencesExamples He tried the house, but we were not home. We tried the apartment, but after that we didn't know where to call. 1.5with object Push or pull (a door or window) to determine whether it is locked. I tried the doors, but they were locked Example sentencesExamples Then, stealthily, the person darted over to another door and tried the handle. He knocks, then disappears around the side of the house and tries the back door. Getting no answer at the back door, he tried it and found it opened to his push. Bernard paid for his tea and took the lift to the 2nd floor and tried the door of the banquet hall, which opened. The Post Office was closed after the incident and this afternoon local people were trying the front door. She tried the windows but they were also locked and when she threw things at them they didn't even crack. Why they didn't try the front door was a mystery, but not a mystery she wanted to solve. Our hero comes for his interview, in the middle of the day, and tries the left door, to no avail. He moved along using feather steps and tried every door until he reached the last one. With the guards now completely stationary, he tries the door. In case any of you ever find yourself in this situation, the smart thing to do is to try the door. I tried a door that I thought was the emergency exit, but opened it to find a room full of people. Kate tried the door when she finally got there but it was locked and her key didn't work. Once he turned the corner and was out of the guard's view, Matt tried one of the doors. He tried the door again and discovered that it wasn't locked, just a little stuck. After a replay of Wednesday's close and the titles, David tries the door but cannot get it open. After looking through the letter box the youth tried the front door and went inside the house. At his front door, a somewhat buxom blonde lady with very high heels and a very short skirt was trying the front door lock. Sadia tries the door to see how sturdy it is and checks in which direction it opens. I stopped a foot away from the door at the end of the hallway and tried the door handle. 1.6with object Make severe demands on (a person or a quality, typically patience) Mary tried everyone's patience to the limit Example sentencesExamples Don't get me wrong, I really enjoy my job, I might even venture to say I love it, but it sometimes tries my patience. Antoine is annoyed that Helene was late meeting him after work, and the heavy traffic tries his patience. As cricket has discovered the game has to be approachable and rain delays try the patience of everyone. After a year of sustained eyebrow raising and boomerang pints, they now no longer try my patience or my vocal chords. But that's only the first of a number of instances in which he tries our patience. They know dawdling only tries the government's patience. As it is, literally having to watch the grass grow starts to sorely try the patience. It is a game that rewards perseverance but tries your patience. Well, there is an answer to that-but I have tried the reader's patience long enough. She tried my patience sometimes, but equally I probably didn't give enough of a chance. I didn't really have to try my patience because I didn't make any big mistakes. As well as trying taxpayers' patience, the worsening gridlock is costing big money. What he said went without argument and we knew better than to try his patience, and anyway, he kept his cane within easy reach. His tribulations at a sport at which he previously naturally excelled would have tried the patience of a saint. But if it tries the moviegoer's patience, the film never cedes its fascination. Synonyms tax, make severe demands on, strain, put a strain on, test, stretch, sap, drain, exhaust, wear out, tire out, weary 2usually be triedwith object Subject (someone) to trial. he was arrested and tried for the murder Example sentencesExamples They purged Parliament in December, tried him, and had him executed in January 1649. The great majority of war criminals were tried in the territories where the crimes were committed. He refused to serve on the court that tried Charles I but joined the Council of State in 1652. In due course, the great majority of war criminals were tried under a national jurisdiction. Cromwell, who had wanted to spare the King, saw no way out but to try him for treason. She was tried by one judge, rather than by a panel of three, as required by law. A few junior officers were tried by a military tribunal and given light sentences. Her nine-day reign was followed by the Roman Catholic Queen Mary, who tried him for treason. He was tried before a judge sitting alone and convicted of three counts of murder and appealed. He was tried, after a fashion, and turned over to the Roman prefect, with the recommendation that he be executed. With other conspirators he was tried and sentenced to death on a charge of treason in November 1553. After the war many camp officials were tried and punished, but others escaped. Sam was duly tried and convicted on the conspiracy count but the Appellant was not called as a witness at that trial. Within two days, both men were tried, convicted and sentenced to two years' jail. For that crime, she was tried, convicted, and sent back to slavery, thus restoring his property. He was tried as a Nazi collaborator in 1946 but was acquitted and allowed to resume his career. One of its first orders is to set up special tribunals to try members of the former regime. The soldiers were subsequently tried by a regimental court martial and acquitted. The court will try individuals accused of committing genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity. 2.1 Investigate and decide (a case or issue) in a formal trial. such cases must be tried by a jury Example sentencesExamples The actions were consolidated and the judge agreed to try preliminary issues which are the subject of this appeal. This delay is within the ambit of what might be considered inherent in trying a case. Attorneys who try cases at the courthouse said they had not seen him wearing it before. The information is invalid and as such this Court has no jurisdiction to try the issue arising therefrom. This I have done and I have told him that I can see no reason why I should not continue to try the case. Synonyms adjudicate, consider, hear, pass judgement on, adjudge, examine 3with object Smooth (roughly planed wood) with a plane to give an accurately flat surface. 4with object Extract (oil or fat) by heating. some of the fat may be tried out and used Example sentencesExamples Then after they had cut it up, she tried out the fat and made a great quantity of oil from the bear. Then he built a big fire and skinned the bears, and tried out the fat and poured it into a hollow in the ground. He tried out the fat and made lard. nountrītraɪ 1An effort to accomplish something; an attempt. Mitterrand was elected president on his third try Example sentencesExamples Otherwise why would they have come back for a second and a third try? It took me a few tries and a lot of effort before I was able to stand upright. Then my foot slipped off on only the second move of my third try. The second and third tries in a different spot on his finger were also unsuccessful. Sometimes, first tries and the limits of low budgets make better films, never mind the special effects improvements. What made the difference was sleeping after having a first few tries at the problems involved. To my astonishment, I make it up on my second attempt and by the third try I manage to stay up for a full three minutes. The chef handed her some paper, and she took around five tries to get a suitable signature. It just took me a few weeks and just a few tries to accomplish all that. On the second or third try, I got my glasses on a tiny wren half hidden in the grasses. The blistering cold wore on the engine kept it from staring until the third try. Yet in my exhausting tries, I couldn't concentrate on making a conscious effort of it, not while this sheep dog was left standing. Synonyms attempt, go, effort, endeavour, bid 1.1 An act of doing, using, or testing something new or different to see if it is suitable, effective, or pleasant. they should give the idea a try Example sentencesExamples If you're already prepared to give the essay a try, you can find a download page here. Even if the idea seems strange, give it a try, as you have nothing to lose, but only to gain. If you wonder how you will look with different eye colors, give color contacts a try. After a few more tries, I finally gave up and turned to examine myself in the mirror. I didn't even know if asking her was a good idea or not, but I'll give it a try and see what happens. He should have allowed for one more try of a different sort to see if it might be possible to get some movement. It was getting excellent reviews there, so I decided to give it a try. However if you do give this form of fishing a try you may be pleasantly surprised. If yes, definitely give it a try, but don't think only in terms of accomplishing anything. 2Rugby An act of touching the ball down behind the opposing goal line, scoring points and entitling the scoring side to a goal kick. Example sentencesExamples The action was fast moving and skilful, enterprising and well judged and both sides produced two tries and two penalty kicks. We can find out about games played, tries scored, goals kicked, brothers and fathers, referees, captains and so on. In his career, he has played more than 260 professional matches, scoring 78 tries and kicking 100 goals and five drop goals. Players score tries by getting the ball over the opponents' touchline. While he was off the pitch the Giants scored two tries and a drop goal took their lead to 15-12. Usage In practice, there is little discernible difference in meaning between try to plus infinitive (we should try to help them) and try and plus infinitive (we should try and help them), but there is a difference in formality, with try to being regarded as more formal than try and. Beyond the issue of formality, the construction try and is grammatically odd, in that it cannot be inflected for tense—that is, sentences like she tried and fix it or they are trying and renew their visa are not acceptable, while their equivalents she tried to fix it or they are trying to renew their visa obviously are. For this reason, try and is best regarded as a fixed idiom used only in its infinitive and imperative form. See also and Phrases I (or he etc.) will try anything once Used to indicate willingness to do or experience something new. Example sentencesExamples I enjoy long walks on the beach, going to the park, jigsaw puzzles, reading a good book, swimming and I will try anything once. I will always love Michael, he never stops excelling and has no boundaries with his music, he will try anything once. I am not much of a prissy kind of girl, I will try anything once. He is a sport, he will try anything once. I have a strict policy with food whilst travelling: I will try anything once. ‘I will try anything once,’ she declared, and proved it in her eighties by flying on Concorde, taking a trip in a helicopter and ascending in a hot air balloon. While I haven't been exposed to a lot of exotic places or foods, I am just not a very picky eater and I will try anything once. I like everything, and I will try anything once, but for the most part I go for a simple style with clean lines. try something on for size Assess whether something is suitable. he was trying on the role for size Example sentencesExamples ‘Sarah’, Sari repeated, trying it on for size it seemed. If that one episode isn't enough to convince you that season five is better at everything than you will ever be at anything, try these quotes on for size. Since we are speculating, nevertheless, we could try these questions on for size. Tesco, by contrast, tried the idea on for size, pioneering limited online shopping services in a single store before instigating a carefully planned rollout. Children try the world on for size through play. She tries ideas on for size and asks you if they fit. I won't go on too much about money-saving tips now, but try these articles for size. It was a different kind of acting, because the feelings were real, but it was like the two of them were trying the feelings on for size, like clothes to see if they fitted, and to see if they suited them. So perhaps we shouldn't take it too seriously, but try these statements on for size. Asked how he feels about one hack's overwrought description of him as ‘the feathercut prince of the blues ‘, he frowns, repeats the phrase slowly and inquisitively as if trying it on for size, then quickly changes the subject.’ Synonyms test, try out, check out, put to the test, experiment with try one's hand at Attempt to do (something) for the first time, typically in order to find out if one is good at it. a chance to try your hand at the ancient art of drystone walling Example sentencesExamples The night will also provide dancing until midnight and a chance to try your hand at a game of roulette or blackjack. You will have success in whatever you try your hand at. She is looking forward to a long holiday in Canada visiting family and hopes to try her hand at something different during her retirement. We intend to buy a rundown property: it's something we have always fancied trying our hand at - a blank canvas on which to make our mark. As well as the chance to try their hand at calligraphy, youngsters got up close to a variety of weapons such as a Celtic sword and 17th century rapier. He even tried his hand at drawing in an attempt to capture the movement of the situations he found fascinating, but later realised that the camera does a better job, he says. He now tried his hand at politics, seeking a better deal for sailors and soldiers. Those going along have the chance to try their hand at various activities including abseiling, rock climbing and orienteering. The children tried their hand at more than one game. Now he is trying his hand at more formal history. Synonyms make an attempt at, have a shot at try it on 1informal Attempt to deceive or seduce someone. you'd better not be trying it on with me Example sentencesExamples "He's trying it on with me but he's got a 7 months pregnant girlfriend!" The line manager should not be 'trying it on' with workers - that is sexual harassment. 1.1Deliberately test someone's patience to see how much one can get away with. try me Used to suggest that one may be willing to do something unexpected or unlikely. “You won't use a gun up here.” “Try me.” Example sentencesExamples ‘C'mon, try me,’ he murmurs, glancing quickly in Tom's direction. If they do not take me as serious, they have to try me. I laughed at this at first, and told my mate ‘Oh yeah, try me then.’ ‘Maybe you should try me, Bryan,’ Dani said angrily. I think my life has given me plenty of understanding, so try me. I simply tossed my long curls over my shoulder and practically dared them to try me. ‘Then try me,’ said Jill as she took a quarter from her pocket. You can't tell me because I wouldn't understand it,’ he replied sarcastically, ‘Why don't you just try me.’ Phrasal Verbs try something on Put on an item of clothing to see if it fits or suits one. Example sentencesExamples I'll try them on again first, but I'm really not keen on the skirt. His brother was trying the uniform on for the first time. It was even more depressing trying the things on, since everything seemed designed to make you look as frumpy as possible. Like with any piece of clothing, you really need to try jeans on to see how they work. I don't necessarily want to buy lots of stuff, I just want the shopping experience of going from shop to shop, trying things on and maybe making a couple of sound purchases. I'd prefer it if you could just pick up clothes and not have to try them on. First I went through the racks of clothing and tried them on. She said: ‘I have always loved hats and drag my friends round lots of shops so I can try them on.’ Some male customers felt uncomfortable when women were there as they were trying things on. You've really got to try them on, and see what range of choice is available. try someone/something out Test someone or something new or different to assess their suitability or effectiveness. I try out new recipes on my daughter Example sentencesExamples Simply buy a pair of each, try them out on different days during different activities, and then choose the best one. Don't be shy about bringing a swatch of fabric to the paint store or even buying small amounts of paint and trying them out before deciding what works. Come up with your own ideas, try them out - and share them with other activists. I highly recommend trying them out if you haven't already. Necessary alterations were made on the garments after trying them out on children. And even when the recipes left me virtually salivating at the prospect of trying them out, I was discouraged by the fact that they required ingredients unlikely to be found in the pantries of anyone but the most dedicated foodie. So she began experimenting on making home-made beauty products and trying them out on girlfriends. Many successful traders will test strategies and set-ups on practice accounts before they try them out with real money. Plant them in containers to begin with, so you can try them out in different positions. He said: ‘I have so many ideas at the moment, so I am just trying them out.’ Origin Middle English: from Old French trier ‘sift’, of unknown origin. Sense 1 of the noun dates from the early 17th century. verb.1 phr. phr.v.
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Definition of try in US English:

try

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TRY²