grasp at straws Definition

clutch¹
verb clutches, clutched, clutching

1. To grasp something tightly.

Thesaurus: grasp, snatch, seize, grab, grapple; clasp, embrace, cling to, cleave to, fasten on to.
intr
2. To try to grasp it.

Form: clutch at something (usually)
(US)
3. In a motor vehicle: to press the clutch pedal.

noun clutches

1. Control or power.

Thesaurus: control, power, dominion, custody, sway, keeping, possession, grip, embrace, hands, claws.
Form: clutches (usually)
2. Any device for connecting and disconnecting two rotating shafts, especially the device in a motor vehicle that transmits or prevents the transmission of the driving force from engine to gearbox.
3. In a motor vehicle: the pedal operating this device.
4. A grasp.

Thesaurus: grip, hold, clasp, grasp.

Idiom: clutch at straws (grasp at straws)

To try anything, however unlikely, in one's desperation.

Etymology: Anglo-Saxon clyccan.

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grasp
verb grasped, grasping

1. To take a firm hold of something or someone; to clutch.

Thesaurus: clutch, grip, enclose, clasp, clinch, grab, catch, seize, snatch, nab.
2. To make a movement as if to seize it.

Form: grasp at something (often)
Form: grasp after something
3. To understand.

Thesaurus: comprehend, understand, get, perceive, apprehend, realize, see, envisage, imagine.

noun

1. A grip or hold.

Thesaurus: grip, clutches, hold, clasp, embrace, possession, reach.
2. Power or control; ability to reach, achieve or obtain.

Example: felt the promotion was within her grasp
3. Ability to understand.

Example: beyond their grasp
Thesaurus: understanding, perception, ken, comprehension, scope, capacity, awareness, insight.

Idiom: grasp at straws

See under clutch.

Idiom: grasp the nettle

See under nettle.

Etymology: 14c as graspen.

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straw
noun

1a. The parts of cereal crops that remain after threshing, which may be ploughed back into the soil, burned as stubble or used as litter or feedstuff for animals, for thatching and weaving into hats, baskets, etc;


Example: a straw boater
2. A single stalk of dried grass or cereal crop.
3. A thin hollow tube for sucking up a drink.
4. Anything that has little or no value.
5a. A pale yellow colour;


Example: straw-coloured

Derivative: strawlike
adj

Derivative: strawy
adj

Idiom: clutch at straws (grasp at straws)

To resort to an alternative option, remedy, etc in desperation, even although it is unlikely to succeed.

Derivative: the last straw

See separate entry.

Idiom: draw straws

To decide on something by the chance picking of straws, one of which is significantly longer or shorter than the rest.

Idiom: draw the short straw (get, pick etc the short straw)

To be the person chosen to carry out an unpleasant task, etc.

Idiom: a straw in the wind

A tantalizing hint or indication of something.

Etymology: Anglo-Saxon streaw.