What is grasping at straws?

"Grasping at straws" is an idiomatic expression used to describe a desperate attempt to find any solution or hope in a difficult situation, even when the options are unlikely to succeed. The phrase originates from the idea of a drowning person clutching at anything, even something as insubstantial as straws, in a desperate effort to save themselves. This sense of hopeless or irrational attempts for safety or answers is often applied metaphorically to situations where someone makes weak or ineffectual efforts to deal with problems or challenges. It conveys a sense of panic or lack of realistic options and is often used in contexts involving problem-solving, debates, and decision-making.