"strain every nerve" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to express the idea of putting in a great amount of effort to reach a goal. For example, "I will strain every nerve to finish my degree on time."
The second problem is that, modest and limited though these proposed reforms are, they will be strongly resisted by Number 10 and its agents, the whips, who will strain every nerve to avoid any loss of power.
I think these are noble ends, but to strain every nerve under the judging eyes and applauding hands of East and West alike only to achieve them is the great tragedy of this age.
For example, in a discussion of the American embargo on Japan at a cabinet meeting on November 7 , 1941 he said that the administration should "strain every nerve to satisfy and keep on good relations" with Japanese negotiators.
As he went along, he could strain every nerve and say, yes, this is a film about male identity, or gender role reversal, and then he'd drum up a defining image, like a woman pissing in a stand-up toilet, and think, yes, this is it, this is what it's all about.
The letter, marked "very secret," talked of a "successful rising in any of the working districts of England". Its prose had faintly Churchillian cadences in places — there were phrases such as "strain every nerve" and "pronounced its weighty word" — but with an admixture of bolshevistic pastiche.
"There is currently a rainbow around my shoulder and my gait at the moment indicates to all: 'There is a man whose job is pure gravy.' "I will strain every nerve to make this show exactly what Marconi had in mind when he legged it down to the patent office and I look forward tremendously to the mighty listener contributions reaching new heights of sublime absurdity and great truth.
Lenin strained every nerve to reverse these trends, which he regarded as antithetical to Socialism, and to replace Stalin.
"Nearer the tape Fitch and Butler strained every nerve and muscle to overtake him but could make absolutely no impression on the inspired Scot.
An 88-mile (142-km) pursuit west-southwestward along the Appomattox River in Virginia ensued, with Grant and Meade straining every nerve to bring Lee to bay.
Nearing the tape Fitch and Butler strained every nerve and muscle to overtake him but could make absolutely no impression on the inspired Scot.
Meanwhile, the Royal Navy, with the willing help of countless merchant seamen, strained every nerve to embark the British and allied troops; 220 light warships and 650 other vessels were engaged.
