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Explaining "A drowning man will clutch at a straw"

Reviewed and edited by Anwar Kareem 17/12/2024, 09:16
English.me team member

What does it mean?

A drowning man will clutch at a straw

The phrase means that a person in desperate circumstances will try to find relief or a solution, no matter how unlikely or insignificant it may seem.

Tone

Cautionary and empathetic

Origin

The phrase traces back to at least the 16th century, with its earliest recorded use found in the writings of Sir Thomas More. It metaphorically describes the hopeless action of a drowning person grabbing at a straw, something that is barely capable of saving them.

Examples of usage

  • Even though the medicine hadn’t been tested thoroughly, he decided to try it because a drowning man will clutch at a straw.
  • She knew the deal was risky, but being on the verge of bankruptcy, she took it—a drowning man will clutch at a straw.

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