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.

At such times the mind, fearful for herself, catches at phrases and fancies, as drowning men catch at straws.

From An Old Meerschaum From Coals Of Fire And Other Stories, Volume II. (of III.) by Murray, David Christie

What could possess me to make such a request of such a man I cannot tell; but drowning men catch at straws: they had driven me desperate between them; I hardly knew what I said. 

From The Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Brontë, Anne

I catch at straws, perhaps, with my unlearned hands, but it's the instinct of affection.

From The Letters of Elizabeth Barrett Browning, Volume II by Kenyon, Frederic G. (Frederic George), Sir

It was a faint hope, but drowning men catch at straws.

From Hot corn: Life Scenes in New York Illustrated by Robinson, Solon

It is an old saying that 'drowning men catch at straws.'

From The Catholic World; Volume I, Issues 1-6 A Monthly Eclectic Magazine by Rameur, E.