grasp

Related to grasp: grasp reflex

a (good/solid/sound/etc.) grasp of/on (something)

A firm, clear understanding or determination of something. I hope everyone has a solid grasp of the material, as you'll be tested on it next week. I thought I had a pretty good grasp on English idioms, but I don't understand this one at all!

a drowning man will grasp at a straw

proverb Someone who is desperate enough will try anything to help their situation, even if it is really of no help at all. A: "I heard Jared is going to a psychic to help him figure out how to salvage his marriage." B: "Wow. A drowning man will grasp at a straw, huh?"

See also: drown, grasp, man, straw, will

clutch at straws

1. 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 straws."

2. To consider positive suggestions or thoughts in a bad situation. OK, you're just clutching at straws now, fantasizing about a potential buyer when your house has been on the market for months.

See also: clutch, straw

get a (good/solid/sound/etc.) grasp of/on (something)

To attain a firm, clear understanding or determination of something. You will need to get a solid grasp of the material, as you'll all be tested on it next week. I'm trying to get a grasp on English, but I don't understand some of these idioms at all!

See also: get, grasp, of, on, solid, sound

grasp (someone or something) by (something)

To take hold of someone or something by gripping something in particular. The mama cat grasped her kitten by the scruff of its neck and carried it off. I grasped Peggy by the shoulders and guided her down the hallway.

grasp at (someone or something)

To attempt to hold onto or grip someone or something. I grasped at the dog, but she ran away from me. Liz and I grasped at the sides of the raft as we hit rough waters.

See also: grasp

grasp 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 grasping at a straw."

grasp at straws

grasp in the dark

To seek out a solution, meaning, or sense of purpose in a blind, aimless, or uncertain manner. Often used in the progressive tense. We've been grasping in the dark for a way to pay our mortgage, but I just don't see how we'll be able to afford it anymore. My recent breakup with Janice has left me grasping in the dark.

grasp the nettle

To approach or begin a difficult or unpleasant task directly and with the appropriate amount of energy. I know you don't like disciplining employees, but you've just got to grasp the nettle.

See also: grasp

have a (good/solid/sound/etc.) grasp of/on (something)

To have a firm, clear understanding or determination of something. I hope everyone has a solid grasp of the material, as you'll be tested on it next week. I thought I had a pretty good grasp on English idioms, but I don't understand this one at all!

See also: grasp, have, of, on, solid, sound

relinquish (one's) grasp on (something) (to someone or something)

To forfeit, turn over, or yield control of something (to another person, group, organization, etc.). She refused to relinquish her grasp on the company to someone who wasn't in the family. They were forced to relinquish their grasp on the land to the government. They will now relinquish their grasp on the senate following the results of the election.

See also: grasp, on, relinquish, someone

relinquish (one's) grasp over (something) (to someone or something)

To forfeit, turn over, or yield control of something (to another person, group, organization, etc.). She refused to relinquish her grasp over the company to someone who wasn't in the family. They were forced to relinquish their grasp over the land to the government. They will now relinquish their grasp over the senate following the results of the election.

See also: grasp, over, relinquish, someone

within grasp

1. Literally, so close that one can or can nearly grasp it with one's hands. A possessive adjective or proper noun can be used between "within" and "grasp." I had to shimmy my chair over to the counter so the TV remote was within grasp. The ball was within his grasp as he dove into the air and stretched his arms out, but it slipped through his fingers at the last moment.

2. Very near to being obtainable or achievable. A possessive adjective or proper noun can be used between "within" and "grasp." The Super Bowl championship was within their grasp, when the quarterback slipped on the AstroTurf and fumbled the ball, allowing the other team to score a last-minute touchdown and win the game. This novel is a masterpiece, Sarah. I feel like the Booker Prize could be within grasp for you.

3. Very close to being apprehended. A possessive adjective or proper noun can be used between "within" and "grasp." Police have issued a statement that the fugitive is within their grasp, and that he should be in custody within 48 hours. The rogue agent was within grasp, but he managed to elude the CIA at the last moment.

within reach

Almost attainable. This phrase can be used both literally and figuratively. A possessive noun or pronoun can be used between "within" and "reach." Molly is on bed rest, so be sure to leave anything she’ll need within her reach. Studying will put your goal of getting an A in this class within reach.

clutch at straws

Fig. to continue to seek solutions, ideas, or hopes that are insubstantial. When you talk of cashing in quick on your inventions, you are just clutching at straws. That is not a real solution to the problem. You are just clutching at straws.

See also: clutch, straw

grasp at someone or something

to try to seize someone or something. He grasped at the bar and held on tight. The beggar grasped at the pedestrian and lost his grip.

See also: grasp

grasp someone or something by something

to hold onto someone or something by something. He grasped his friend by the hand and pulled him to safety. Sharon grasped the dog by its collar and held on tight.

*(solid) grasp of something

and *(sound) grasp of something; *(good) grasp of something

Fig. a firm understanding of something. (*Typically: get ~; have ~; give someone ~.) Try to get a grasp of the basic rules. You don't have a good grasp of the principles yet. John was unable to get a solid grasp of the methods used in his work, and we had to let him go.

*within one's grasp

1. Lit. where one can grasp something with one's hand. (*Typically: be ~;, get ~; get something ~.) The rope was within his grasp, but he was too weak to reach for it.

2. . Fig. [for something] to be obtainable; [for a goal] to be almost won. (Does not involve grabbing or grasping. *Typically: be ~; get ~; get something ~.) Victory is within our grasp, so we must keep playing the game to win. Her goal is within her grasp at last.

within someone's reach

and within someone's grasp

1. Lit. close enough to be grasped. The ball was almost within his reach!

2. Fig. almost in the possession of someone. My goals are almost within my reach, so I know I'll succeed. We almost had the contract within our grasp, but the deal fell through at the last minute.

get a fix on

Also, have a fix on; get or have a handle on ; get or have a grasp of . Obtain (or have) a clear determination or understanding of something. For example, I was finally able to get a fix on the specifics of this problem, or No one in the press room had a handle on Balkan history, or Do you have a grasp of the situation? Similarly, give a fix means "provide a clear understanding," as in This briefing will give us a fix on the current situation. The usages with fix and handle are colloquialisms dating from the 1920s; those with grasp are more formal and date from the late 1600s.

grasp at straws

Also, clutch at straws. Make a desperate attempt at saving oneself. For example, He had lost the argument, but he kept grasping at straws, naming numerous previous cases that had little to do with this one . This metaphoric expression alludes to a drowning person trying to save himself by grabbing at flimsy reeds. First recorded in 1534, the term was used figuratively by the late 1600s.

have a grasp of

see under get a fix on.

grasp the nettle

mainly BRITISH

COMMON If you grasp the nettle, you deal with a problem or unpleasant task quickly and in a determined way. I think you should grasp the nettle. Speak to your manager and make it clear you regret your mistake and are determined it will never happen again. European leaders have yet to grasp the nettle of labour-market reform. Note: If you grasp a nettle firmly, it is less likely to sting you than if you just touch it lightly.

See also: grasp

clutch at straws

mainly BRITISH or

grasp at straws

1. If you clutch at straws or grasp at straws, you try to do something that is very unlikely to succeed because you are desperate or have tried everything else. This was a desperate speech, made by a man clutching at straws to retain his career. I was probably grasping at straws in a search for a cure, but I thought I would give the therapy a go.

2. If you clutch at straws or grasp at straws, you try to find hope in a situation where there is no reason to feel hope. By this time, Rosa's behaviour was extremely strange and we were all very concerned. I told myself that at least she still had a job, but I was clutching at straws. Note: This expression comes from the proverb a drowning man will clutch at a straw. People are still clinging to the hope that something will happen — but I think it's like a drowning man trying to clutch at a straw. Note: The image here is of a drowning person who is desperately trying to take hold of anything to save himself or herself, even a straw.

See also: clutch, straw

Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

get a fix on

1 determine the position of an aircraft, ship, etc., by visual or radio bearings or astronomical observation. 2 assess or determine the nature or facts of; obtain a clear understanding of. informal

2 1993 Independent on Sunday You do not necessarily get a fix on life by fooling around with the fictive process.

grasp the nettle

tackle a difficulty boldly. British

This expression refers to a belief (recorded from the late 16th century onwards) enshrined in a rhyme quoted in Sean O'Casey's Juno and the Paycock ( 1925 ): ‘If you gently touch a nettle it'll sting you for your pains; grasp it like a lad of mettle, an’ as soft as silk remains'.

1998 New Scientist The problem was that governments failed to grasp the nettle and scrap the system.

See also: grasp

clutch (or grasp or catch) at straws

do, say, or believe anything, however unlikely or inadequate, which seems to offer hope in a desperate situation.

This expression comes from the proverb a drowning man will clutch at a straw , which is recorded in various forms since the mid 16th century.

See also: clutch, straw

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

grasp the ˈnettle

(British English) deal with a difficult matter, firmly and with courage: The government will have to grasp the nettle. If they don’t, the traffic congestion is going to get out of control.This expression refers to the belief that if you touch a nettle (= a plant with leaves that sting) lightly, you will be hurt, but not if you take a firm hold if it.

See also: grasp

within (easy) ˈreach (of something)

close to something: The house is within easy reach of schools and sports facilities.

clutch/grasp at ˈstraws

try all possible means to find a solution or some hope in a difficult or unpleasant situation, even though this seems very unlikely: The doctors have told him that he has only 6 months to live, but he won’t accept it. He’s going to a new clinic in Switzerland next week, but he’s just clutching at straws.

grasp at

To have a hold on something or take hold of something with the hands: Afraid of the steep drop-off, I grasped at the railing.

See also: grasp

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs.

grasp

at straws

To search in desperation for a solution to a difficulty.

grasp the nettle

To take on a difficult problem directly and energetically.

See also: grasp

American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition.

grasp at straws, to

To make a hopeless effort to save oneself. The term comes from the ancient image of a drowning man clutching at insubstantial reeds in an attempt to save himself, and it often was put as to catch or clutch at straws. It appeared in print as early as the sixteenth century and soon was regarded as a proverb. Indeed, Samuel Richardson so identifies it in Clarissa (1748): “A drowning man will catch at a straw, the proverb well says.” An earlier usage is “We do not as men redie to be drowned, catch at euery straw” (John Prime, Fruitful and Brief Discourse, 1583).

See also: grasp

The Dictionary of Clichés by Christine Ammer

See also:

grasp of
have a (good/solid/sound/etc.) grasp of/on (something)
a (good/solid/sound/etc.) grasp of/on (something)
have a grasp of
get a (good/solid/sound/etc.) grasp of/on (something)
have a clue
not have a clue
lay (one's) hands on (someone or something)
lay hands on
have a firm grip on (someone or something)

References in periodicals archive

For, in today's world, to be under-developed is to have almost wholly failed to grasp the nature of your environment and to turn some of its processes into technologies enabling you to transform your habitat for better human use.

Contrast between developed and developing world

One week after the BTX-A injections, the spasticity of the left upper limb and the fingers improved and the grasp reflex and involuntary movement nearly disappeared (Figure 2).

Improvement and Neuroplasticity after Combined Rehabilitation to Forced Grasping

The head is grasped with forceps, crushed and then removed through the vaginal canal.

National ban on dismemberment abortion, based on National Right to Life model, introduced in Congress

Grasp and ABC Global will begin working over the next few months to introduce Grasp's product and service offerings to ABC Global's nearly 8,000-strong member agencies.

Grasp Technologies partners with ABC Global Services

Grasp and Hickory will begin working over the next few months to introduce the Grasp product and service offerings to Hickory's members as well as collaborate to find ways to further help the Hickory membership grow their businesses.

Grasp Technologies partners with Hickory Global Partners

Doug Cress, programme coordinator of GRASP, said: "It is clear the protecting great apes and their forest homes will require a broad-based effort to be successful.

Zoo leads way to save great apes

Humans can easily grasp, lift, and manipulate objects of very different properties (e.g., texture, weight, and stiffness).

Virtual grasping: closed-loop force control using electrotactile feedback

Ninety percent of natural grasp movements produced by the human hand, which has greater than 25 DoF [4], have been reconstructed using five or six synergies [5, 6].

Candidates for synergies: linear discriminants versus principal components

ANKARA (CyHAN)- Turkish Interior Minister Muammer GE-ler has said the authorities failed to fully grasp the nature of protests linked to the Gezi Park near ystanbul's famed Taksim Square.

Turkish interior minister: We couldn't fully grasp Gezi protests

Humans are designed to grasp well; but repetitive, high-force gripping can result in long-term discomfort or injury.

A better grip on earth, in space

If the brain areas in charge of motor planning also process objects' action-related information, as Rizzolatti and Arbib (1998) have suggested, then the presentation of hand grasp actions should influence the subsequent identification of a graspable object.

Dinamica temporal de la contribucion de la accion a la identificacion de objetos

David Bowerman, 35, from Chelmsford, Essex, helped set up Gambling Reform And Society Perception (Grasp) after stealing PS7 million from investors to fund his extravagant lifestyle and gambling addiction.

Grasp carries on despite jailing of co-founder

"The autism spectrum IS pretty vast," says GRASP executive director, Michael John Carley.

GRASP: shaping the future for adults on the autism spectrum: GRASP now boasts over 7,300 full members, with thousands more in chat groups and social media sites. Funding primarily comes from individual donors, but also from small foundations, annual benefits, and a contract GRASP has had with the New York City public schools since 2004

General Motors and NASA are designing a wearable robotic glove that gives humans a stronger grasp while potentially reducing the risk of repetitive stress injuries.

Robo-glove

No, I want him to hear my footsteps, so maybe he'll grasp

Mercy

词组	grasp
释义	grasp Related to grasp: grasp reflex a (good/solid/sound/etc.) grasp of/on (something) A firm, clear understanding or determination of something. I hope everyone has a solid grasp of the material, as you'll be tested on it next week. I thought I had a pretty good grasp on English idioms, but I don't understand this one at all! See also: grasp, of, on, solid, sound a drowning man will grasp at a straw proverb Someone who is desperate enough will try anything to help their situation, even if it is really of no help at all. A: "I heard Jared is going to a psychic to help him figure out how to salvage his marriage." B: "Wow. A drowning man will grasp at a straw, huh?" See also: drown, grasp, man, straw, will clutch at straws 1. 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 straws." 2. To consider positive suggestions or thoughts in a bad situation. OK, you're just clutching at straws now, fantasizing about a potential buyer when your house has been on the market for months. See also: clutch, straw get a (good/solid/sound/etc.) grasp of/on (something) To attain a firm, clear understanding or determination of something. You will need to get a solid grasp of the material, as you'll all be tested on it next week. I'm trying to get a grasp on English, but I don't understand some of these idioms at all! See also: get, grasp, of, on, solid, sound grasp (someone or something) by (something) To take hold of someone or something by gripping something in particular. The mama cat grasped her kitten by the scruff of its neck and carried it off. I grasped Peggy by the shoulders and guided her down the hallway. See also: by, grasp grasp at (someone or something) To attempt to hold onto or grip someone or something. I grasped at the dog, but she ran away from me. Liz and I grasped at the sides of the raft as we hit rough waters. See also: grasp grasp 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 grasping at a straw." See also: grasp, straw grasp at straws 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 grasping at straws." See also: grasp, straw grasp in the dark To seek out a solution, meaning, or sense of purpose in a blind, aimless, or uncertain manner. Often used in the progressive tense. We've been grasping in the dark for a way to pay our mortgage, but I just don't see how we'll be able to afford it anymore. My recent breakup with Janice has left me grasping in the dark. See also: dark, grasp grasp the nettle To approach or begin a difficult or unpleasant task directly and with the appropriate amount of energy. I know you don't like disciplining employees, but you've just got to grasp the nettle. See also: grasp have a (good/solid/sound/etc.) grasp of/on (something) To have a firm, clear understanding or determination of something. I hope everyone has a solid grasp of the material, as you'll be tested on it next week. I thought I had a pretty good grasp on English idioms, but I don't understand this one at all! See also: grasp, have, of, on, solid, sound relinquish (one's) grasp on (something) (to someone or something) To forfeit, turn over, or yield control of something (to another person, group, organization, etc.). She refused to relinquish her grasp on the company to someone who wasn't in the family. They were forced to relinquish their grasp on the land to the government. They will now relinquish their grasp on the senate following the results of the election. See also: grasp, on, relinquish, someone relinquish (one's) grasp over (something) (to someone or something) To forfeit, turn over, or yield control of something (to another person, group, organization, etc.). She refused to relinquish her grasp over the company to someone who wasn't in the family. They were forced to relinquish their grasp over the land to the government. They will now relinquish their grasp over the senate following the results of the election. See also: grasp, over, relinquish, someone within grasp 1. Literally, so close that one can or can nearly grasp it with one's hands. A possessive adjective or proper noun can be used between "within" and "grasp." I had to shimmy my chair over to the counter so the TV remote was within grasp. The ball was within his grasp as he dove into the air and stretched his arms out, but it slipped through his fingers at the last moment. 2. Very near to being obtainable or achievable. A possessive adjective or proper noun can be used between "within" and "grasp." The Super Bowl championship was within their grasp, when the quarterback slipped on the AstroTurf and fumbled the ball, allowing the other team to score a last-minute touchdown and win the game. This novel is a masterpiece, Sarah. I feel like the Booker Prize could be within grasp for you. 3. Very close to being apprehended. A possessive adjective or proper noun can be used between "within" and "grasp." Police have issued a statement that the fugitive is within their grasp, and that he should be in custody within 48 hours. The rogue agent was within grasp, but he managed to elude the CIA at the last moment. See also: grasp, within within reach Almost attainable. This phrase can be used both literally and figuratively. A possessive noun or pronoun can be used between "within" and "reach." Molly is on bed rest, so be sure to leave anything she’ll need within her reach. Studying will put your goal of getting an A in this class within reach. See also: reach, within Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. clutch at straws Fig. to continue to seek solutions, ideas, or hopes that are insubstantial. When you talk of cashing in quick on your inventions, you are just clutching at straws. That is not a real solution to the problem. You are just clutching at straws. See also: clutch, straw grasp at someone or something to try to seize someone or something. He grasped at the bar and held on tight. The beggar grasped at the pedestrian and lost his grip. See also: grasp grasp someone or something by something to hold onto someone or something by something. He grasped his friend by the hand and pulled him to safety. Sharon grasped the dog by its collar and held on tight. See also: by, grasp (solid) grasp of something and (sound) grasp of something; (good) grasp of something Fig.* a firm understanding of something. (Typically: get ~; have ~; give* someone ~.) Try to get a grasp of the basic rules. You don't have a good grasp of the principles yet. John was unable to get a solid grasp of the methods used in his work, and we had to let him go. See also: grasp, of within one's grasp 1. Lit.* where one can grasp something with one's hand. (Typically: be ~;, get ~; get* something ~.) The rope was within his grasp, but he was too weak to reach for it. 2. . Fig. [for something] to be obtainable; [for a goal] to be almost won. (Does not involve grabbing or grasping. Typically: be ~; get ~; get something ~.) Victory is within our grasp, so we must keep playing the game to win. Her goal is within her grasp at last. See also: grasp, within within someone's reach and within someone's grasp* 1. Lit. close enough to be grasped. The ball was almost within his reach! 2. Fig. almost in the possession of someone. My goals are almost within my reach, so I know I'll succeed. We almost had the contract within our grasp, but the deal fell through at the last minute. See also: reach, within McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. get a fix on Also, have a fix on; get or have a handle on ; get or have a grasp of . Obtain (or have) a clear determination or understanding of something. For example, I was finally able to get a fix on the specifics of this problem, or No one in the press room had a handle on Balkan history, or Do you have a grasp of the situation? Similarly, give a fix means "provide a clear understanding," as in This briefing will give us a fix on the current situation. The usages with fix and handle are colloquialisms dating from the 1920s; those with grasp are more formal and date from the late 1600s. See also: fix, get, on grasp at straws Also, clutch at straws. Make a desperate attempt at saving oneself. For example, He had lost the argument, but he kept grasping at straws, naming numerous previous cases that had little to do with this one . This metaphoric expression alludes to a drowning person trying to save himself by grabbing at flimsy reeds. First recorded in 1534, the term was used figuratively by the late 1600s. See also: grasp, straw have a grasp of see under get a fix on. See also: grasp, have, of The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. grasp the nettle mainly BRITISH COMMON If you grasp the nettle, you deal with a problem or unpleasant task quickly and in a determined way. I think you should grasp the nettle. Speak to your manager and make it clear you regret your mistake and are determined it will never happen again. European leaders have yet to grasp the nettle of labour-market reform. Note: If you grasp a nettle firmly, it is less likely to sting you than if you just touch it lightly. See also: grasp clutch at straws mainly BRITISH or grasp at straws 1. If you clutch at straws or grasp at straws, you try to do something that is very unlikely to succeed because you are desperate or have tried everything else. This was a desperate speech, made by a man clutching at straws to retain his career. I was probably grasping at straws in a search for a cure, but I thought I would give the therapy a go. 2. If you clutch at straws or grasp at straws, you try to find hope in a situation where there is no reason to feel hope. By this time, Rosa's behaviour was extremely strange and we were all very concerned. I told myself that at least she still had a job, but I was clutching at straws. Note: This expression comes from the proverb a drowning man will clutch at a straw. People are still clinging to the hope that something will happen — but I think it's like a drowning man trying to clutch at a straw. Note: The image here is of a drowning person who is desperately trying to take hold of anything to save himself or herself, even a straw. See also: clutch, straw Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed. get a fix on 1 determine the position of an aircraft, ship, etc., by visual or radio bearings or astronomical observation. 2 assess or determine the nature or facts of; obtain a clear understanding of. informal 2 1993 Independent on Sunday You do not necessarily get a fix on life by fooling around with the fictive process. See also: fix, get, on grasp the nettle tackle a difficulty boldly. British This expression refers to a belief (recorded from the late 16th century onwards) enshrined in a rhyme quoted in Sean O'Casey's Juno and the Paycock ( 1925 ): ‘If you gently touch a nettle it'll sting you for your pains; grasp it like a lad of mettle, an’ as soft as silk remains'. 1998 New Scientist The problem was that governments failed to grasp the nettle and scrap the system. See also: grasp clutch (or grasp or catch) at straws do, say, or believe anything, however unlikely or inadequate, which seems to offer hope in a desperate situation. This expression comes from the proverb a drowning man will clutch at a straw , which is recorded in various forms since the mid 16th century. See also: clutch, straw Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary grasp the ˈnettle (British English) deal with a difficult matter, firmly and with courage: The government will have to grasp the nettle. If they don’t, the traffic congestion is going to get out of control.This expression refers to the belief that if you touch a nettle (= a plant with leaves that sting) lightly, you will be hurt, but not if you take a firm hold if it. See also: grasp within (easy) ˈreach (of something) close to something: The house is within easy reach of schools and sports facilities. See also: reach, within clutch/grasp at ˈstraws try all possible means to find a solution or some hope in a difficult or unpleasant situation, even though this seems very unlikely: The doctors have told him that he has only 6 months to live, but he won’t accept it. He’s going to a new clinic in Switzerland next week, but he’s just clutching at straws. See also: clutch, grasp, straw Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary grasp at v. To have a hold on something or take hold of something with the hands: Afraid of the steep drop-off, I grasped at the railing. See also: grasp The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs. grasp *at straws* To search in desperation for a solution to a difficulty. grasp the nettle To take on a difficult problem directly and energetically. See also: grasp American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. grasp at straws, to To make a hopeless effort to save oneself. The term comes from the ancient image of a drowning man clutching at insubstantial reeds in an attempt to save himself, and it often was put as to catch or clutch at straws. It appeared in print as early as the sixteenth century and soon was regarded as a proverb. Indeed, Samuel Richardson so identifies it in Clarissa (1748): “A drowning man will catch at a straw, the proverb well says.” An earlier usage is “We do not as men redie to be drowned, catch at euery straw” (John Prime, Fruitful and Brief Discourse, 1583). See also: grasp The Dictionary of Clichés by Christine Ammer See also: grasp of have a (good/solid/sound/etc.) grasp of/on (something) a (good/solid/sound/etc.) grasp of/on (something) have a grasp of get a (good/solid/sound/etc.) grasp of/on (something) have a clue not have a clue lay (one's) hands on (someone or something) lay hands on have a firm grip on (someone or something) References in periodicals archive For, in today's world, to be under-developed is to have almost wholly failed to grasp the nature of your environment and to turn some of its processes into technologies enabling you to transform your habitat for better human use. Contrast between developed and developing world One week after the BTX-A injections, the spasticity of the left upper limb and the fingers improved and the grasp reflex and involuntary movement nearly disappeared (Figure 2). Improvement and Neuroplasticity after Combined Rehabilitation to Forced Grasping The head is grasped with forceps, crushed and then removed through the vaginal canal. National ban on dismemberment abortion, based on National Right to Life model, introduced in Congress Grasp and ABC Global will begin working over the next few months to introduce Grasp's product and service offerings to ABC Global's nearly 8,000-strong member agencies. Grasp Technologies partners with ABC Global Services Grasp and Hickory will begin working over the next few months to introduce the Grasp product and service offerings to Hickory's members as well as collaborate to find ways to further help the Hickory membership grow their businesses. Grasp Technologies partners with Hickory Global Partners Doug Cress, programme coordinator of GRASP, said: "It is clear the protecting great apes and their forest homes will require a broad-based effort to be successful. Zoo leads way to save great apes Humans can easily grasp, lift, and manipulate objects of very different properties (e.g., texture, weight, and stiffness). Virtual grasping: closed-loop force control using electrotactile feedback Ninety percent of natural grasp movements produced by the human hand, which has greater than 25 DoF [4], have been reconstructed using five or six synergies [5, 6]. Candidates for synergies: linear discriminants versus principal components ANKARA (CyHAN)- Turkish Interior Minister Muammer GE-ler has said the authorities failed to fully grasp the nature of protests linked to the Gezi Park near ystanbul's famed Taksim Square. Turkish interior minister: We couldn't fully grasp Gezi protests Humans are designed to grasp well; but repetitive, high-force gripping can result in long-term discomfort or injury. A better grip on earth, in space If the brain areas in charge of motor planning also process objects' action-related information, as Rizzolatti and Arbib (1998) have suggested, then the presentation of hand grasp actions should influence the subsequent identification of a graspable object. Dinamica temporal de la contribucion de la accion a la identificacion de objetos David Bowerman, 35, from Chelmsford, Essex, helped set up Gambling Reform And Society Perception (Grasp) after stealing PS7 million from investors to fund his extravagant lifestyle and gambling addiction. Grasp carries on despite jailing of co-founder "The autism spectrum IS pretty vast," says GRASP executive director, Michael John Carley. GRASP: shaping the future for adults on the autism spectrum: GRASP now boasts over 7,300 full members, with thousands more in chat groups and social media sites. Funding primarily comes from individual donors, but also from small foundations, annual benefits, and a contract GRASP has had with the New York City public schools since 2004 General Motors and NASA are designing a wearable robotic glove that gives humans a stronger grasp while potentially reducing the risk of repetitive stress injuries. Robo-glove No, I want him to hear my footsteps, so maybe he'll grasp Mercy
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