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.
Drowning people, it is said, catch at straws.
From Forty Years in the Wilderness of Pills and Powders Cogitations and Confessions of an Aged Physician by Alcott, William A. (William Andrus)
Drowning men will catch at straws, and Herbert, in his trouble, tried to think this was probably the way it had happened.
From Try and Trust by Alger, Horatio
Notwithstanding its improbability, the idea takes, and is entertained, as drowning men catch at straws.
From The Death Shot A Story Retold by Reid, Mayne
It is said drowning men catch at straws; the idea immediately came across my mind that, with the support of the stick, I should be enabled to effect my escape.
From The Emigrant's Lost Son or, Life Alone in the Forest by Anonymous
“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)
