grasp at straws

Meaning

Verb

• To guess randomly or pursue any apparent option, due to a lack of clear choices or information.
• To get hold of any help, even if it is insignificant.

Origin

• This idiom refers to a drowning man grabbing any floating object, even a straw, to save himself. It was first used by Thomas More in A Dialogue of Comfort Against Tribulation (1534).