Make a better, good, poor, etc. fist of something

Pro Tip 1/3

Effort Implication

The phrase suggests the effort taken to achieve something, not just the outcome.

Despite the difficulties, she made a good fist of organizing the event.

Pro Tip 2/3

Subjectivity

What makes a 'good' or 'poor' fist can be subjective, varying by someone's perspective.

I thought he made a poor fist of the negotiations, but others disagreed.

Pro Tip 3/3

Cultural Nuance

This phrase is more common in British English and may not be well understood elsewhere.

In her first cricket match, she made a better fist of batting than bowlers expected.