grab at straws
grab at straws
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 straws." The government is really grabbing at straws 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 straws, 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