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3. if at first you don't succeed, try, try again

if at first you don't succeed, try, try again

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If at first you don't succeed, try, try again.

Prov. You have to keep trying until you get what you want. Jill: I spent all morning trying to fix the computer, and it still won't work. Jane: If at first you don't succeed, try, try again. You'll learn that dance step eventually. If at first you don't succeed, try, try again.

See also: again, first, if, try

if at first you don't succeed, try, try again

Don't let a first-time failure stop further attempts. For example, I know it's hard at first to shift gears without stalling but if at first you don't succeed . . . This seemingly ancient adage was first recorded only in 1840 but has become so well known that it is often shortened.

See also: again, first, if, try