Clutch/grasp at straws
phrase
Trying to find some way to succeed when nothing you choose is likely to work.
After losing his job, he was clutching at straws trying to keep his house.
Often appears as...
- clutching at straws in desperation
- clutching at straws to survive
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
To depend on something that is useless or to try to find a solution in an impossible situation.
Thinking that a lottery win will solve your financial problems is just clutching at straws.
Often appears as...
- clutching at straws to cope
- clutching at straws for answers
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
Trying to find some way to succeed when nothing you choose is likely to work.
After losing his job, he was clutching at straws trying to keep his house.
Often appears as...
- clutching at straws in desperation
- clutching at straws to survive
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
To depend on something that is useless or to try to find a solution in an impossible situation.
Thinking that a lottery win will solve your financial problems is just clutching at straws.
Often appears as...
- clutching at straws to cope
- clutching at straws for answers
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Desperation Sign
Indicates extreme desperation when options are running out or ineffective.
In a last desperate bid to avoid bankruptcy, we are clutching at straws.
Pro Tip 2/3Negative Connotation
Usually implies effort is unlikely to succeed or is irrational.
They accused him of clutching at straws for contesting the clear election results.
Pro Tip 3/3Figurative Usage
No literal grasping; it's about desperately seeking solutions.
Suggesting outdated marketing strategies felt like clutching at straws.
Pro Tip 1/3Desperation Sign
Indicates extreme desperation when options are running out or ineffective.
In a last desperate bid to avoid bankruptcy, we are clutching at straws.
Pro Tip 2/3Negative Connotation
Usually implies effort is unlikely to succeed or is irrational.
They accused him of clutching at straws for contesting the clear election results.
Pro Tip 3/3Figurative Usage
No literal grasping; it's about desperately seeking solutions.
Suggesting outdated marketing strategies felt like clutching at straws.
Pro Tip 1/3Desperation Sign
Indicates extreme desperation when options are running out or ineffective.
In a last desperate bid to avoid bankruptcy, we are clutching at straws.
Pro Tip 2/3Negative Connotation
Usually implies effort is unlikely to succeed or is irrational.
They accused him of clutching at straws for contesting the clear election results.
Pro Tip 3/3Figurative Usage
No literal grasping; it's about desperately seeking solutions.
Suggesting outdated marketing strategies felt like clutching at straws.
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