for the life of one

Idioms  

1. Although trying hard, as in I can't for the life of me remember his name. This expression is always used hyperbolically, that is, one's life is not at all endangered. [Late 1700s]

---

Example Sentences

It is not, you know, to terminate in seven years, like an apprenticeship or a commercial partnership, but it is an engagement for the life of one of the parties.

From The Ladies Book of Useful Information Compiled from many sources by Anonymous

I have had no sympathy with the late Duke of Monmouth, and yet I come to plead for the life of one who has been implicated in his rebellion.”

From Roger Willoughby A Story of the Times of Benbow by Webb, Archibald

It's wonders enough I seen in a short space for the life of one man only.

From The Well of the Saints by Synge, J. M. (John Millington)

In the fight for life between the machine and the human labor, in the race of life for that which men call success, who cares for the life of one little mill hand?

From The Bishop of Cottontown A Story of the Southern Cotton Mills by Moore, John Trotwood

She might fear for the life of one she loved.

From The Golden Dog by Kirby, William