| Answer | Crossword Clue |
|---|---|
| bust | to make an extreme effort; exert oneself |
| bend | to exert oneself to the utmost; make a serious effort |
| exerts | EXERT, to make an effort |
| exerted | EXERT, to make an effort |
| exerting | EXERT, to make an effort |
| set | to make a vigorous effort; apply oneself to work; begin |
| straining | Force (a part of one's body or oneself) to make a strenuous or unusually great effort |
