make a go of


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.See also: go, make, of

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.See also: go, make, of

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. See also: go, make, of

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. See also: go, make, of

make a go of

To achieve success in: have made a go of the business.See also: go, make, of