Made an effort, but the best end got overcooked (6)

I believe the answer is:

strove

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'made an effort' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

I can't explain the remainder of the clue.

(Other definitions for strove that I've seen before include "Made great efforts" , "Struggled" , "Endeavoured" , "Voters (anag) - made every effort" , "Tried hard for voters" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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