all kidding aside »
Used to attempt to make a serious point in a jocular conversation.
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back to the drawing board »
Back to the beginning following an unsuccessful attempt.
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bark up the wrong tree »
To attempt or pursue the wrong thing; to take the wrong approach; to follow a false lead.
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bat a thousand »
To achieve success at each attempt.
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bite off more than one can chew »
To try to do too much; to take on or attempt more than one is capable of doing.
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boys will be boys »
It is hard, often fruitless, to attempt to curb the natural playfulness and tendency to mischief of most growing boys.1922, James Joyce, Ulysses Chapter 13But just then there was a slight altercation between Master Tommy and Master Jacky. Boys will be boys and our two twins were no exception to this golden rule.Even grown men usually remain somewhat boyish in heart"Boys will be boys", grinned grandpa while he joined his adult son playing with the fancy train-set he gave his grandson for Christmas while the kid was in school.
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branch out »
To attempt something new or different, but related.
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bring it weak »
To fail to accomplish an accomplishable task or to make an attempt at less than maximum effort; to "half-ass" or "fake the funk".
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but seriously folks »
Directs attention to immediately preceding failed attempt at humor.
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cherry pick »
To position oneself near the opponent's goal to attempt to receive an errant or intentional pass for an easy score, as in basketball or versions of soccer where offsides are not enforced.
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close the stable door after the horse has bolted »
To attempt to prevent a problem only to find it has already happened.
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count sheep »
To attempt to go to sleep by thinking of something boring, traditionally by counting imaginary sheep.
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cut off one's nose to spite one's face »
To harm oneself as a result of attempting to harm an adversary.
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dummy run »
A trial or practice before the real attempt.
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fall between two stools »
To attempt two tasks and fail at both, when either one could have been accomplished singly.
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