where does clutching at straws come from?
 

Used the saying this morning and not sure of its origins.

A desperate person will try anything to save himself, no matter how unlikely. The proverb has been traced back to 'Dialogue of Comfort Against Tribulation' (1534) by Thomas More (1478-1535). First cited in the United States in 'Colonial Currency' (1720). The proverb is found in varying forms: a drowning man will clutch at a straw; A drowning man grabs at a straw; A drowning man snatches at straws, etc. The proverb has its counterpart in other languages too." From "The Random House Dictionary of Popular Proverbs and Sayings" by Gregory Y. Titelman (Random House, New York, 1996).



GOOGLE of course

thank you

Probably because if you look into a flood, often the thing that draws the eye is a floating straw. It will still float when all else sinks and even when dragged under, will return to the surface.

But of course, it couldn't support a body, so anyone clutching at them to avoid drowning would be desperate, but doomed to fail.

Alcazar