| I waited for more information with reference to national and community programs but to no avail. |
| He parried the attacks easily, slashing back with his weapon but to no avail. |
| The Allerton residents filled in countless petitions against the closure, to no avail. |
| The trade unions have made repeated warnings to Railtrack about the use of casual labour on the lines but to no avail. |
| With a brief, feeble attempt she tried to wriggle out of what bound her wrists, but to no avail. |
| Mr Diamond has been in contact with numerous council representatives in an effort to rectify the situation, to no avail. |
