Across literary works, “straining” consistently conveys the sense of exertion and effort, whether it is physical, mental, or sensory. In some narratives, it illustrates the struggle to perceive a fading or distant object, as when eyes are forced to gather elusive details ([1], [2]), while in others it vividly depicts nature or machinery under stress—ice breaking free or a ship’s structure groaning under pressure ([3], [4]). The term also captures inner resolve and emotional tension, as characters push their courage or mental faculties to the limit ([5], [6]). Even in moments of competitive exertion or mechanical tasks, “straining” emphasizes an urgent, almost desperate, effort to overcome obstacles, thereby enriching the narrative with a palpable tension that spans both the physical and the psychological realms ([7], [8]).