Clutch at straws Meaning in English

expression

US

KLUHCH-at-STRAWZ

UK

kl-UCH-at-stRAWZ

Definition

To try anything possible, even if it is unlikely to succeed, when you are in a desperate situation.

Usage & Nuances

Usually used in negative or hopeless contexts. Commonly found as 'grasp at straws' (same meaning). It’s idiomatic and not used for literal actions. Typical in discussions about desperate attempts or solutions.

• Spanish: aferrarse a un clavo ardiendo - agarrarse a un clavo ardiendo
• Portuguese (BR): agarrar-se a um fio de esperança - agarrar-se a palha
• Portuguese (PT): agarrar-se a uma palha - agarrar-se a um fio de esperança
• Chinese (Simplified): 死马当活马医 (sǐ mǎ dāng huó mǎ yī) - 抓住最后一根稻草
• Chinese (Traditional): 死馬當活馬醫 - 抓住最後一根稻草
• Hindi: आख़िरी उम्मीद पकड़ना - तिनके का सहारा लेना
• Arabic: يتعلق بقشة - يبحث عن أي أمل
• Bengali: আকড়ে ধরা খড়কুটো - শেষ চেষ্টা করা
• Russian: за соломинку хвататься - хвататься за любую возможность
• Japanese: 藁にもすがる
• Vietnamese: vớ lấy cọng rơm - bám víu vào hy vọng mong manh
• Korean: 지푸라기라도 잡다
• Turkish: çareyi olmayan şeylere sarılmak - umutsuzca çabalamak
• Urdu: تنکے کا سہارا لینا
• Indonesian: berpegangan pada harapan tipis - berpegangan pada apa saja

Example Sentences

When he lost his job, he started to clutch at straws to find a new one.

basic

She knew her chances were slim, but she continued to clutch at straws.

basic

They were clutching at straws when the doctors had no answers.

basic

Honestly, you're just clutching at straws if you think that plan will work.

natural

After so many rejections, he was clutching at straws by applying for jobs he wasn't even qualified for.

natural

It sounds like they're clutching at straws, hoping something will change overnight.

natural