Asked by: Nedyalka Lowry
religion and spirituality islam

What is the origin of the phrase grasping at straws?

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Etymology: Grasping at straws. Theetymology of this phrase comes originally from ThomasMore in his work Dialogue of Comfort Against Tribulation (1534).The idiom refers to a drowning man grasping foranything, even a straw, to save his life.


Just so, what is the meaning of grasping at straws?

This idiom refers to a drowning man grabbing anyfloating object, even a straw, to save himself. It was first usedby Thomas More in A Dialogue of Comfort Against Tribulation(1534).

Secondly, what does the saying clutching at straws mean? clutch/grasp at straws. to be willing totry anything to improve a difficult or unsatisfactory situation,even if it has little chance of success: She offered to take a paycut to keep her job, but she was just clutching atstraws.

Furthermore, where does the phrase clutching at straws come from?

The idiom originated with Thomas More's Dialogue ofComfort Against Tribulation (1534). It indicates desperation. Adrowning man will clutch/grab at anything, even atstraws (this is the (older?) usage that means 'drygrass' not drinking straws) in an attempt to savehimself.

What does the proverb A drowning man will clutch at straws mean?

a drowning man will clutch at a straw.Someone who is desperate will try to use anything for help,even if it is really no help at all. Facing the possibility thathis marriage might be over, John began visiting psychics to helphim decide what to do. A drowning man will clutch ata straw.

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