The engines strained but they weren't able to hold position.

The engine strained against its heavy load as it climbed the hill out of town.

Her heart labored like an engine straining to kick over after a night in the cold.

The engines groaned and strained as it did its gymnastics.

The engine strained and the small boat flashed through the wake of the Maria.

The plane's four engines strained to push against the headwinds.

The wind was blowing harder, the engine straining just inches from his little ears.

The engines strained, feeling the weight of the ice and of the altitude.

The Daimler's engine strained at a lower gear, and the car felt as if it was climbing a hill.

The straightaways were few and far between, so steep he could feel the engine straining as they climbed.