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.

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

They are only weak individualities who, in the act of drowning, catch at straws.

From The Strand Magazine, Volume V, Issue 30, June 1893 An Illustrated Monthly by Newnes, George

Drowning people, it is said, catch at straws.

From Forty Years in the Wilderness of Pills and Powders Cogitations and Confessions of an Aged Physician by Alcott, William A. (William Andrus)

"Good luck to you, beastie, and may you find a secure hiding place until your quills have grown." rowning men catch at straws.

From Astounding Stories of Super-Science, November, 1930 by Various

Here was no shadowy depth of a ravine, but a broad plain,—a watery plain, into which the heavily weighted horses and riders sank, rising to cry for help and catch at straws.

From A Boy's Ride by Zollinger, Gulielma