안간힘을 써요 · 안간힘을 썼어요 · ~(으)려고 안간힘을 쓰다
to try with all one's might, to strain every nerve, to struggle hard
Example
그는 눈물을 참으려고 안간힘을 썼어요.
He tried with all his might to hold back his tears.
Word parts
안간힘 is the strain of holding back pain or breath; 쓰다 here means 'to exert'.
Good to know
Pronounced [안깐히믈 쓰다]; usually after -(으)려고 'trying to ~'.