grasp at straws
Meaning: To act in desperation with little hope of success.
Language: English
Literally: (Already vivid in English)
Category: The Absurd
Origin: The expression suggests that whereas grasping a rope might succeed in saving one's life, grasping at straws (grass) is a desperate and probably useless attempt to hold on.
More idioms — The Absurd
- half-baked — Poorly planned or thought out.
- hanky panky — Sexual misconduct (sentence 1); mischievous behavior or activity (sentence 2); or suspici…
- hit or miss — Unplanned or random; equally likely to succeed or fail.
- it's all greek to me — Incomprehensible or unintelligible.
- kangaroo court — A court set up outside the regular legal system; staged trial where the outcome is set fr…
- kick up one's heels — To have a lively and fun time, usually at a party or dance.
More English idioms
- grim reaper — Death.
- hair's breadth — A very narrow amount.
- half a mind to do something — Inclined or disposed to do something; to have almost decided to do something.
- half the battle — Half the work or effort.
- handle someone with kid gloves — To treat someone cautiously or gently because he or she is easily hurt or angered.
- hang-up — An obsession, problem, or concern about something.
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