grabbing at a straw

== English == === Alternative forms === grab at straws, grab at a straw, grasp at a straw === Etymology === In reference to a drowning person grabbing any floating object, even a straw, to save themselves. First used by Thomas More in A Dialogue of Comfort Against Tribulation (1534). === Pronunciation === === Verb === grasp at straws (third-person singular simple present grasps at straws, present participle grasping at straws, simple past and past participle grasped at straws) (idiomatic) To guess randomly or pursue any apparent option, due to a lack of clear choices or information. Synonyms: clutch at straws, clutch at a straw (idiomatic) To obtain any form of help, even if it is insignificant. ==== Derived terms ==== ==== Translations ==== === References === Titelman, Gregory Y., "The Random House Dictionary of Popular Proverbs and Sayings" (Random House, New York, 1996).