For the life of you

usgb
phrase

No matter how hard one tries or how important it is.

I can't, for the life of me, remember where I put the keys.
Visual representation of "for the life of you" - No matter how hard one tries or how important it is

Often appears as...

  • can't for the life of me
  • don't know for the life of me

Usage tips

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "for the life of you"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Emphasis on Frustration

Often shows frustration or impatience over not being able to do something.

Illustration for Emphasis on Frustration
I can't, for the life of me, figure out this puzzle.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Used for Emphasis

Adds emotional emphasis, suggesting you've tried very hard or care deeply about the effort.

Illustration for Used for Emphasis
She couldn't understand the poem for the life of her, even after rereading it several times.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Not Literal

It's an idiom, so don't take it literally; it doesn't involve actual life or death.

Illustration for Not Literal
He couldn't, for the life of him, recall where he had seen her before.
Visual representation of the word "For the life of you"

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