Try to win over

COAX

Gently persuade someone to do something they might hesitate to try.

"Try to win over" hints at persuading someone gently, which is exactly what "coax" means—it’s when you encourage or convince someone to do something through kind words or patience. The clue plays on the idea of making an effort to sway someone without force, matching the definition of "coax" perfectly. No tricks or wordplay here, just a straightforward match between the clue’s meaning and the answer.