The options trader lamely tried to laugh himself out of his hole.

Only gradually will Mr. LaBute reveal what this man did and why he is trying so lamely to look contrite.

Someone at the White House, they say, is lamely trying to mute criticism of postwar policy at Mr. Rumsfeld's expense.

"It was only in fun," he lamely tried to fib.

He lamely tried to fire his own cannon, knowing full well an air-to-air missile would do no good in a head-on meeting.

(Afterward, W. lamely tried to say he was taken out of context, but the text belied it.)

After 20 years, it was difficult to sound casual, but the doctor lamely tried.

He tried lamely to smile.

They will probably not mind the clumsy, gaudy animation, which lamely tries to bring more color and dimension to the simple, soothing style of the television series.

"I beg your forgiveness for intruding," she tried lamely.