Idioms for straw
catch/clutch/grasp at a straw/straws/any straw(s),
to seize at any chance, no matter how slight, of saving oneself from calamity.
draw straws,
to decide by lottery using straws or strawlike items of different lengths, usually with the short straw or straws determining the person chosen or the loser.
Origin of straw
OTHER WORDS FROM straw
straw·less, adjective straw·like, adjectiveWords nearby straw
Example sentences from the Web for straw
British Dictionary definitions for straw (1 of 3)
straw
1
/ (strɔː) /
noun
adjective
mainly US
having little value or substance
See also
man of straw
Derived forms of straw
strawlike, adjectiveWord Origin for straw
Old English
streaw; related to Old Norse
strā, Old Frisian
strē, Old High German
strō; see
strew
British Dictionary definitions for straw (2 of 3)
British Dictionary definitions for straw (3 of 3)
Straw
/ (strɔː) /
noun
Jack, full name John Whitaker Straw. born 1946, British Labour politician; Home Secretary (1997–2001); Foreign Secretary (2001–06); Lord Chancellor (2007–10)
Cultural definitions for straw
grasp (clutch) at straws
To make a final, desperate effort: “The candidate made a few last attempts to discredit his opponent, but it was clear he was just grasping at straws.”
Idioms and Phrases with straw
straw