E20180419

The woman is straining to open the jar.   strain   /ˈstreɪn/   verb 1 [+ object] : to injure (a body part or muscle) by too much tension, use, or effort I strained my back trying to lift the couch. Too much computer work strains the eyes. He strained a muscle in his leg. 2 : to try very hard to do or get something [no object] — often + for He was straining for air. [=he was struggling to breathe] — often followed by to + verb He strained to open the jar. She strained to sing the high notes. The people in the back of the room strained to hear the speaker. [+ object] I strained my ears to hear [=I tried very hard to hear] what they were whispering. I strained my eyes [=I tried very hard to see] in the darkness. 3 a : to be pulled or stretched in a forceful way [no object] His muscles strained under the heavy weight. [+ object] People were straining their necks [=were lifting their heads as high as they could by stretching their necks] to see the fight. — sometimes used figuratively You are straining (the limits of) my patience with your nagging. b [no object] : to pull hard on or push hard against something — + at or against The dog strained at its leash. His belly strained against the buttons of the shirt. — sometimes used figuratively The kids were straining at the leash to get going. [=were very eager to get going]