for the life of one



for the life of one

Although trying hard, as in I can't for the life of me remember his name. This expression is always used hyperbolically, that is, one's life is not at all endangered. [Late 1700s]
See also: life, of, one

Common Names:

NameGenderPronouncedUsage
Cassiopeiaka-see-ə-PEE-ə (English)Greek Mythology (Latinized)
Cuidightheach-Ancient Irish
Alena-German, Czech, Slovak, Slovene
Alimjan-Uyghur
KrisztinaKREES-tee-nawHungarian
PolycarpPAHL-ee-kahrp (English)Ancient Greek (Anglicized)