catch at straws

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Synonyms for catch at straws

verb disagree over minor issues

Antonyms for catch at straws

More words related to catch at straws

pettifog

verb. quibble

Word Origin & History

Old English streaw "stems or stalks of certain cereals," literally "that which is scattered or strewn," related to streowian (see strew), from Proto-Germanic *strawam "that which is scattered" (cf. Old Norse stra, Danish straa, Swedish strå, Old Frisian stre, Old Dutch, Old High German stro, German Stroh "straw"), from PIE *stere- "to spread" (see structure (n.)). The notion is of dried grain stalks strewn on a floor as carpeting or bedding. As a type of what is trifling or unimportant, attested from late 13c. Meaning "hollow tube through which a drink is sucked" is recorded from 1851.

To draw straws as a means of deciding something is recorded from 1832. The last straw is from the proverb of the camel. Straw poll is from 1932; earlier straw vote (1866). Straw hat first attested mid-15c. To clutch (or grasp or catch) at straws (1748) is what a drowning man proverbially would do.

catch at straws

Synonyms .css-1u0ksf7{color:#d9d9d9;}for catch at straws

Antonyms for catch at straws

More words related to catch at straws

.css-1unrqcp{color:inherit;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}pettifog

pettifogging

quibble

Synonyms for catch at straws

pettifog