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.
"Or you would have gone on horseback," said his wife, ever ready to catch at straws.
From 'Lena Rivers by Holmes, Mary Jane
“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)
Drowning men, as you know, catch at straws; and this is a wise arrangement, for otherwise they would not often be saved by planks.
From Forty Years in the Wilderness of Pills and Powders Cogitations and Confessions of an Aged Physician by Alcott, William A. (William Andrus)
A new character appears, but not a very amiable one; but I attach myself to him, as drowning men catch at straws.
From Japhet, in Search of a Father by Marryat, Frederick
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
