るだけは～るDo as much as possible, at least
This repeated-verb pattern says that someone did an action as fully as circumstances allowed, or at least made the relevant effort. It often leads into an admission that the effort did not produce the hoped-for result.
How it works
The first verb sets the action and its available extent. だけは marks that action as something that was, at least, genuinely done; the repeated verb then reports the actual effort. Because the construction looks back at what was carried out, it works especially well with attempts, preparation, investigation, explanation, and other actions whose result may still be disappointing.
Effort followed by a limited result
A following contrast is common, though not required.
自分なりに調べるだけは調べたが、原因は分からなかった。
I investigated as thoroughly as I could, but I could not determine the cause.
AnalyzeThe investigation was genuinely carried out, but it did not guarantee an answer.
話し合うだけは話し合ったが、結論には至らなかった。
We discussed it as much as we could, but we did not reach a conclusion.
Analyze必要な準備はするだけはしているが、まだ不安が残る。
I am doing all the necessary preparation I can, but I still feel uneasy.
AnalyzeThe progressive second verb presents the effort as ongoing.
When ability sets the limit
考えられるだけは考えたが、現実的な案は出なかった。
I considered everything I could, but I did not come up with a practical idea.
AnalyzeThe potential form sets the limit of what the person was capable of considering.
Maximum extent versus acknowledged effort
限り directly states the maximum possible extent of an action. The repeated-verb pattern on this page instead looks at the action actually carried out and acknowledges that it was done, often before mentioning an unsatisfactory result.
More examples
資料を読むだけは読んだが、細部までは覚えていない。
I did read through the materials, but I do not remember all the details.
Analyze朝食は食べるだけは食べたけれど、緊張で味が分からなかった。
I did manage to eat breakfast, but I was too nervous to taste it.
Analyze関係者全員に連絡するだけは連絡したが、返事はまだない。
I contacted everyone involved, as much as I could do, but no one has replied yet.
Analyze本番に向けて準備するだけは準備した。あとは落ち着いて臨もう。
I have prepared as much as I can for the real thing. Now I just need to stay calm and face it.
Analyze毎日練習するだけは練習しているが、上達はまだ実感できない。
I am practicing every day as much as I can, but I still cannot feel that I am improving.
Analyze荷物は持てるだけは持ったが、一度では全部運べなかった。
I carried as much luggage as I could, but I could not move it all in one trip.
Analyze