What does “A drowning man will catch at a straw.” mean?
"A drowning man will catch at a straw" means that when someone is in a desperate situation, they will grasp at any small opportunity or hope, no matter how unlikely or insignificant it may seem.
What context can I use the in?
Example
Even though the chances were slim, he still tried to negotiate with the kidnappers. A drowning man will catch at a straw.
Example
She was so desperate to find a job that she applied to every company, even those with low salaries. A drowning man will catch at a straw.
Example
Despite the doctor's warning, he decided to try an unconventional treatment. *A drowning man will catch at a straw.
Is “A drowning man will catch at a straw.” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“A drowning man will catch at a straw.” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “A drowning man will catch at a straw.” effectively in context?
You can use "A drowning man will catch at a straw" to describe someone who is in a desperate situation and is willing to try anything, no matter how unlikely or insignificant it may seem. For example, if a friend is applying for jobs and is willing to accept any offer, even with low salaries, you might say, 'She's so desperate to find a job that she's applying everywhere. A drowning man will catch at a straw.'
- 1Negotiation
Even though the chances were slim, he still tried to negotiate with the kidnappers. A drowning man will catch at a straw.
- 2Job Search
She was so desperate to find a job that she applied to every company, even those with low salaries. A drowning man will catch at a straw.
- 3Medical Treatment
Despite the doctor's warning, he decided to try an unconventional treatment. A drowning man will catch at a straw.
Similar phrases to “A drowning man will catch at a straw.”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “A drowning man will catch at a straw.” come from?
The origin of the phrase "A drowning man will catch at a straw" is unknown.
Is “A drowning man will catch at a straw.” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "A drowning man will catch at a straw" is a common proverb used in everyday conversation. It is often used to emphasize the desperation of a person and their willingness to try anything in a difficult situation.
What tone does “A drowning man will catch at a straw.” have?
"A drowning man will catch at a straw" conveys a tone of desperation and hopelessness. It highlights the extreme measures someone may take when they are in a dire situation and have very limited options.
Can “A drowning man will catch at a straw.” be used in informal and formal settings?
The proverb "A drowning man will catch at a straw" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a well-known expression that conveys the idea of desperation and the willingness to grasp at any opportunity. You can use it in conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, meetings, or professional writing.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'Even though the chances were slim, he still tried to negotiate with the kidnappers. A drowning man will catch at a straw.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the proverb even if used alone, like saying 'He's so desperate, he'll catch at a straw!' to imply someone's extreme desperation.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- in dire straits
- desperate situations call for desperate measures
- when in need, any help will do
- when desperate, any option is worth considering
- in a hopeless situation, any lifeline is welcome
Antonyms
- calm seas never made a skilled sailor
- a wise man avoids desperate measures
- in abundance, one can afford to be picky
- in a secure position, one can be selective
- in a stable situation, one can choose wisely
