Make an effort
'make an effort' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
This is all the clue.
(Other definitions for strive that I've seen before include "Venture" , "Make every effort" , "Vie; compete" , "Try extremely hard" , "Work hard - compete" .)
'make an effort' is the definition.
(exerting oneself by making a special effort)
This is all the clue.
(Other definitions for exert that I've seen before include "Act upon" , "Apply (pressure)" , "Bring into use, apply" , "Strive" , "Bring into use, strength or influence" .)