grasp at straws

短语

发音

AU

词形变化

grasped at straws grasps at straws 三单 grasps at straws grasping at straws 现在分词 grasped at straws 过去式 grasped at straws 过去分词

别名

grab at straws grab at a straw grasp at a straw

释义与例句

v.
  1. 1.

    To guess randomly or pursue any apparent option, due to a lack of clear choices or information.

    习语

    I've never met his mother, so I'm grasping at straws for an appropriate gift for her.

  2. 2.

    To obtain any form of help, even if it is insignificant.

    习语

词源

In reference to a drowning person grabbing any floating object, even a straw, to save themselves. First used by Thomas More in A Dialogue of Comfort Against Tribulation (1534).

来源：wiktionary