старатися

To endeavour, to strive, to try; to exert oneself, to be at pains (to); to expend labour (care) (on); to strain (at); to lay oneself out

старатися виграти час — to play for time

старатися даремно — to mill the wind; to beat the air

старатися з усіх сил — to do one's utmost (best), to try for all one is worth; sl. to be all out