clutch at a straw

clutch at a straw

To make a desperate attempt to salvage a bad situation. 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 clutching at a straw."
See also: clutch, straw
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
See also:
  • clutch at straws
  • clutch/grasp at straws
  • grasp at a straw
  • grasp at straws
  • grasp at straws, to
  • grasping
  • grasping at straws
  • catch at (a) straw(s)
  • Trash it!
  • take out the trash
References in periodicals archive
If the `yes' people still want to clutch at a straw, do us all a favour and grab the right places.
Sense of foreboding on assemblies
SIR - A drowning man will clutch at a straw is an apt proverb that represents the power brokers at the helm of the so-called Gang of Six.
Clutching at straws; Sport Letters