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.
“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)
The American Board, I am sorry to feel and think, are good at attempting to catch at straws when important missionary objects have been faithfully placed before them.
From A History of Oregon, 1792-1849 Drawn From Personal Observation and Authentic Information by Gray, William Henry
It is said "the drowning catch at straws."
From Life in the Grey Nunnery at Montreal by Richardson, Sarah J.
It was a faint hope, but drowning men catch at straws.
From Hot corn: Life Scenes in New York Illustrated by Robinson, Solon
But the frail death-agony effort to catch at straws of memory, straws of life from the past, brought on too great a nausea.
From England, My England by Lawrence, D. H. (David Herbert)
