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Meanings of be at pains in English

Try very hard to do something.

Usage of be at pains in English
1
Experience alone, that supreme educator of peoples, will be at pains to show us our mistake.
The Crowd: A Study of the Popular Mind
2
Indeed, she seemed to be at pains to show him her natural-inother words, her most objectionable side.
Sketches in Lavender, Blue and Green
3
She was evidently much worried about her fiancé, and seemed to be at pains to maintain her self-command.
White fire
4
Here 's an exploit, if we but carry it through, which even antiquity will be at pains to match!
Clementina
5
I am not at all pleased with his plans, nor will I be at pains to conceal my displeasure.
Prince Eugene and His Times
6
Unless under pressing necessity, I myself will not be at pains to read what I can with difficulty understand.
From Sail to Steam, Recollections of Naval Life
7
Until five of the clock, I suggest that you be at pains to save whatever barrels may still be whole.
The talisman
8
Possibly she looks upon me as the author of her mother's disgrace; I shall never be at pains to undeceive her.
Memoirs of Madame la Marquise de Montespan — Volume 4
9
Such a nature could not long maintain its disguise, and probably would not be at pains to do so after marriage.
A Young Girl's Wooing
10
He knew the cloud he clasped for Clotilde enough to be at pains to shun a possible prospect of his execrating it.
The Tragic Comedians: A Study in a Well-known Story — Volume 3
11
I will be at pains to put my business in such train as will enable me to visit you for a week or two.
Self-Raised; Or, From the Depths
12
As Theresa May has been at pains to stress: Allardyce means Allardyce.
The Guardian
13
But some one was at pains to find out the real reason.
Europe—Whither Bound? / Being Letters of Travel from the Capital...
14
In his testimony at Leveson, Murdoch was at pains to protect Brooks.
Reuters
15
Yet the CDU was at pains to present the result as a success.
The Guardian
16
The hospital authorities, Tom is at pains to point out, always meant well.
The Guardian