Question 1

What does "grasping at straws" mean?

Accepted Answer

Making desperate attempts to find a solution when all hope seems lost.

Question 2

How do you use "grasping at straws" in a sentence?

Accepted Answer

By suggesting layoffs would solve the crisis, the board was clearly grasping at straws.

Question 3

Is "grasping at straws" formal or informal?

Accepted Answer

"grasping at straws" is register-neutral — appropriate in both casual and formal contexts. From the idea of a drowning person clutching at floating straws; used for desperate last-ditch efforts.

grasping at straws

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