make a go of (something)
To attempt to achieve success with something, often a relationship or career, through one's best effort. When used in the past tense, the phrase often implies that at least some success was achieved. We went to different schools, but we were able to make a go of the long distance relationship. Being a dancer doesn't pay well, but it was my dream, so I tried my best to make a go of it.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
make a go of something
to succeed at something. (Often with it.) She just didn't have the energy or inclination to make a go of her marriage. I did everything I could to make a go of it.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
make a go of
Achieve success in, as in He has made a go of his new business. This expression was first recorded in 1877.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
make a go of
be successful in something. informal An Australian and New Zealand variant of this expression is make a do of it , which dates from the early 20th century.
1987 Evelyn E. Smith Miss Melville Returns He'd been unable to make a go of life in the city, and so he'd returned to the small New England village he came from.
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017
make a go of
To achieve success in: have made a go of the business.
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.