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.

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)

One hope I clung to, as the drowning catch at straws.

From Branded by Lynde, Francis

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

At such times the mind, fearful for herself, catches at phrases and fancies, as drowning men catch at straws.

From An Old Meerschaum From Coals Of Fire And Other Stories, Volume II. (of III.) by Murray, David Christie

It is said "the drowning catch at straws."

From Life in the Grey Nunnery at Montreal by Richardson, Sarah J.