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THE IDIOM COLLECTION LEARN & PRACTISE

Give it your best shot

Understand the meaning. See it in context. Make it yours.

01 / UNDERSTAND

Meaning in plain English

Try as hard as you can to do or achieve something.

02 / SEE IT IN CONTEXT

The expression in a sentence

  1. I have never entered a debate before, but I’ll give it my best shot.

03 / CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING

Quick idiom quiz

Try the question without looking back, then write a sentence of your own. You can retry as often as you like.

Can you recall the expression?

Which expression from this lesson matches this meaning?

Try as hard as you can to do or achieve something.
Show the answer

Give it your best shot — Try as hard as you can to do or achieve something.

Try your own sentence (optional)

Make it yours

Write one sentence using “Give it your best shot” about your own life.

Check your sentence

Does your sentence match this meaning?

Try as hard as you can to do or achieve something.

Compare: I have never entered a debate before, but I’ll give it my best shot.

Check the spelling and how the expression fits the sentence. Your example can be different.

Self-review only. Your sentence is not automatically marked, saved or submitted.

This quiz is for practice. To save lesson completion on this device, complete the checks in the app.

GO DEEPER

More ways to understand and use it

When to use it

Use this encouraging, informal expression before a challenging attempt. It focuses on effort without promising success.

More examples in context

  • Even with little rehearsal time, the band gave it their best shot.
  • Give it your best shot, and learn from whatever happens.

Usage note

Change “your” to match the subject: “my best shot” or “our best shot”. The expression does not require sport or an actual shot, and a strong attempt can still fail.

A short conversation

A: I’m nervous about auditioning.
B: You have practised carefully. Give it your best shot.
A: I will, even if I don’t get the part.

One more practice question

What does “Give it your best shot” encourage you to do?

A. Make your strongest effort.
B. Expect success without trying.

Check your answer

A. The expression encourages effort, rather than guaranteeing an outcome.

Related lessons

Meaning and usage checked against Oxford Learner’s Dictionaries. Explanations, examples and conversation are original.

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