Be sure to finish work, or at least try (4)

I believe the answer is:

seek

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'try' is the definition.
(synonyms)

I cannot understand how the remainder of the clue works.

(Other definitions for seek that I've seen before include "Hunt, look for" , "Try to locate or reach" , "'. . . . and ye shall find'" , "Ask for (permission)" , "Go looking for" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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