grab at a straw
grab at a straw
1. To assert or come up with something that lacks any credibility, especially as a desperate bid to achieve something or convince someone. A: "But what about all those times I took the trash out when you hadn't even asked me to?" B: "That has nothing to do with why you're in trouble now, so stop grabbing at a straw." The government is really grabbing at a straw now in its attempt to defend the controversial legislation.
2. To consider or reach for any kind of help or solution in a bad situation. A: "I've started going to a psychic to help me figure out how to salvage my marriage." B: "I think you're grabbing at a straw, Mike."
See also: grab, straw
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
- (someone or something) promises well
- a fast talker
- a/the feel of (something)
- (I) wouldn't (do something) if I were you
- (have) got something going (with someone)
- a horse of another
- a horse of another color
- a horse of another colour
- a straw will show which way the wind blows
- accompanied by