Work and Effort

What does the phrase At pains to mean in standard English?

• Making a careful or serious effort to do something
• To have a natural talent for something
• To receive unfair or worse treatment
• To give little attention, sympathy, or consideration

What idea is expressed by A last-ditch effort?

• A decisive moment when an important change begins
• A final desperate attempt to solve a problem or avoid failure
• A clear practical example or warning
• To apply influence or force to make someone act