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.

Dying men catch at straws, and, to appeal to this passage is as if one were catching at a straw.

From The Doctrines of Predestination, Reprobation, and Election by Wallace, Robert

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

V. overestimate, overrate, overvalue, overprize, overweigh, overreckon†, overstrain, overpraise; eulogize; estimate too highly, attach too much importance to, make mountains of molehills, catch at straws; strain, magnify; exaggerate &c.

From Roget's Thesaurus of English Words and Phrases by Roget, Peter Mark

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

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