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Meaning of grasp at straws | Babel Free

Verb CEFR C1

Definitions

  1. To guess randomly or pursue any apparent option, due to a lack of clear choices or information.
    idiomatic
  2. To obtain any form of help, even if it is insignificant.
    idiomatic

Equivalents

Deutsch nach jedem Strohhalm greifen
Español agarrarse a un clavo ardiendo
Suomi tarttua oljenkorteen
Italiano arrampicarsi sugli specchi
Русский хвата́ться за соло́минку
Svenska gripa efter halmstrån

Examples

“I've never met his mother, so I'm grasping at straws for an appropriate gift for her.”

CEFR level

C1
Advanced
This word is part of the CEFR C1 vocabulary — advanced level.
See all C1 English words →

See also

grasp for straws grasp the nettle grasped grasped at straws grasped the nettle graspest

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