A drowning man will clutch at a straw

Meaning

"A drowning man will clutch at a straw" is an idiom that means a person who is in a dire situation and feels like they are on the brink of failure or collapse will desperately cling to any small hope, opportunity, or resource that may help them survive. The phrase suggests that even when a person's situation seems hopeless, they will still try to hold onto something, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem.

Usage

• I thought my career was doomed, but then I landed this new job, and suddenly all the struggles seemed worth it. (The person in question was feeling like a drowning man but found a straw to cling onto.)
• When my car broke down on the highway during a sudden snowstorm, I felt like I was drowning in misery. But then I saw a gas station up ahead and knew that help was within reach. (The person in question was feeling helpless but found a straw to cling onto.)
• My relationship had been falling apart for years, but when my partner suddenly proposed to me, it gave me the hope and strength I needed to turn things around. (The person in question was feeling like a drowning man but found a straw to cling onto.)
• The pandemic had devastated our economy, and many businesses were struggling to stay afloat. But then a government grant program was announced, which gave us the lifeline we desperately needed. (The person in question was feeling like a drowning man but found a straw to cling onto.)
• My health had been declining for months, and I felt like I was running out of time. But then I discovered a new medication that promised to restore my energy and vitality, and it gave me the hope and motivation to keep fighting. (The person in question was feeling helpless but found a straw to cling onto.)

Roots and History

The idiom "a drowning man will clutch at a straw" has its roots in medieval times when sailors would throw out their oars or other flotsam and jetsam to help a struggling ship stay afloat. The phrase suggests that even when a person's situation seems hopeless, they will still try to hold onto something, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem. Over time, the idiom evolved to refer to any small hope, opportunity, or resource that might provide relief or salvation in a difficult situation.

Synonyms in English

• A life preserver
• A lifeline
• A ray of hope
• A light at the end of the tunnel
• A silver lining

Synonyms in other languages

• Spanish - Un bote salvavidas (Life jacket)
• French - Un radeau (Raft)
• German - Ein Flottsam und Jetsam (Flotsam and jetsam)
• Italian - Una ropesca (Lifeline)
• Chinese - 一根绊柱 (One lifeline)

Similar Idioms

• upset the applecart

• as to

• ABC