“Grasping at Straws” Meaning, Origin and Examples

Last updated on October 7, 2024 by Liam Daniel

The idiomatic phrase “grasping at straws” is a popular term used in everyday conversation and writing. In this reference, you will learn the meaning of this phrase, explore its origins, and see examples of how to use it correctly in various contexts. This will help you gain a comprehensive understanding of the phrase and its application.

Grasping At Straws Meaning, Origin and Usage

Key Takeaways

  • The idiomatic phrase “grasping at straws” means to try desperately to save yourself in a conversation or argument by continuing to bring up additional things that you believe will prove your argument, but have very little to do with the situation at hand. It describes the act of being desperate in a time of need.
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Grasping At Straws Meaning

The phrase “grasping at straws” means making a desperate or weak attempt to find a solution or explanation, especially when none seems likely or effective. It is often used when someone is trying to hold onto any small or unlikely hope or idea in a difficult situation.

For example:

  • “He was grasping at straws, hoping that the weather would suddenly clear up, even though the forecast predicted rain all day.”

This expression originates from the image of a drowning person trying to grab hold of anything, even straws, to save themselves.

Origin of the Idiomatic Expression

The origin of this interesting idiom can be traced back to the year 1534. In his work titled A Dialogue of Comfort Against Tribulation, author Thomas More said that a man will do anything to save himself from drowning and grasp for any object, including a straw. From this comparison, the phrase as we know it today was born. It has been widely used ever since.

Usage of “Grasping At Straws”

Here are some examples of how “grasping at straws” can be used in different contexts:

  1. In a difficult situation:
    • “When the negotiations failed, the company was grasping at straws, trying to find any way to avoid bankruptcy.”
  2. In a conversation:
    • “His argument didn’t make sense; it felt like he was just grasping at straws to justify his point.”
  3. In problem-solving:
    • “We’ve tried everything to fix the issue, and now we’re just grasping at straws by testing random solutions.”
  4. In a medical situation:
    • “The doctors were grasping at straws with the new treatment because nothing else had worked.”

Related Terms to “Grasping At Straws”

Here are some related terms and phrases to “grasping at straws” that convey similar meanings of desperation or weak attempts:

  1. Clutching at straws – This is an alternate version of “grasping at straws” with the same meaning.
  2. A shot in the dark – Refers to an attempt with little chance of success or based on guesswork.
  3. Last-ditch effort – A final attempt made in desperation, often when all other options have failed.
  4. Grasping at thin air – A metaphorical phrase implying trying to hold onto something nonexistent or unreachable.
  5. Desperate measures – Refers to extreme actions taken when in a difficult or dire situation.
  6. A long shot – Describes an attempt that is unlikely to succeed but is still worth trying because no better options exist.
  7. Hail Mary – Commonly used in sports or negotiations, it refers to a final, risky attempt to achieve success when failure seems imminent.
  8. Throwing everything at the wall and seeing what sticks – Refers to trying multiple solutions or ideas, hoping one might work, often without a clear plan.

Other Ways to Say “Grasping At Straws”

Like other idiomatic phrases, the phrase “grasping at straws” has many things you can say alternatively to convey the same meaning. Other things you could say in place of this phrase include:

  • Trying desperately
  • Wouldn’t stop trying
  • Wouldn’t give up

“Grasping At Straws” Examples

Example Statements

A statement made a politician after winning the election.

  • “I knew I was going to win. My opponent was simply grasping at straws this past week trying desperately to gain some momentum.”

A statement made by a politician after recently winning the election.

  • “I knew I would win. It was plain to see my opponent was simply grasping at straws this past week trying desperately to gain momentum.”

Example Conversations

A conversation between two friends.

  • Friend 1: Can you believe Karen just kept going on and on yesterday trying to defend herself.
  • Friend 2: I know! She was caught in the act!
  • Friend 1: Exactly! She was just grasping at straws trying desperately to get out of trouble! Sad.

A conversation between two co-workers.

  • Co-worker 1: We need to find a real solution to this problem we are facing.
  • Co-worker 2: You are right. We need to get everyone back on the same pages and focused.
  • Co-worker 1: Yes, until we do that we mine as well just be grasping at straws because nothing is getting done when it needs to be.
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