grasp at straws
The idiom "grasp at straws" originates from the imagery of a drowning person clutching at anything, even straws, to save themselves.
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Definition
B2General
(informal)To make a desperate attempt to find a solution or some hope in a difficult situation.
Example
- In his final argument, he was grasping at straws, hoping to sway the jury with any point he could make.
B2General
(informal)To rely on or pursue something with little chance of success.
Example
- She's grasping at straws by applying for jobs she's not qualified for.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "grasp at straws":