You are grasping at Straws!

Simple Definition:

“Grasping at straws” means making a desperate attempt to find a solution or hope, even when the chances of success are very slim or nonexistent. It’s often used when someone is trying to hold onto any small chance or idea, no matter how unlikely it is to work.

Origin:

The expression “grasping at straws” dates back to the 16th century and comes from the image of a drowning person who, in a desperate attempt to save themselves, might reach out and grab at anything—even something as insubstantial as a straw. The idea is that the person is so desperate they’ll try anything, even if it’s unlikely to help.

Examples of use:

  1. “Realizing he was losing the argument, he started grasping at straws, bringing up unrelated points.”
  2. “She’s grasping at straws by applying for jobs she’s not qualified for.”
  3. “After hearing the bad news, he was grasping at straws, hoping for a miracle.”

Traduzione in italiano:

“Grasping at straws” significa fare un tentativo disperato di trovare una soluzione o una speranza, anche quando le probabilità di successo sono molto ridotte o inesistenti. Si usa spesso quando qualcuno cerca di aggrapparsi a qualsiasi piccola possibilità o idea, per quanto improbabile possa essere.