catch at straws
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Mr. Shepley pretended to think that the picture resembled his wife, and this idea was seized upon as drowning men catch at straws.
From Half a Century by Swisshelm, Jane Grey Cannon
Drowning men catch at straws, and the spectacled visage of the auctioneer, as he clings wildly to his rostrum, is a perfect study of terrified imbecility.
From English Caricaturists and Graphic Humourists of the Nineteenth Century. How they Illustrated and Interpreted their Times. by Everitt, Graham
One hope I clung to, as the drowning catch at straws.
From Branded by Lynde, Francis
It is well said, a drowning man will catch at straws.
From Auricular Confession and Popish Nunneries Volumes I. and II., Complete by Hogan, William
“What’s that?” exclaimed several of the men eagerly, catching at their comrade’s words as drowning men are said to catch at straws.
From The Red Eric by Ballantyne, R. M. (Robert Michael)
