To cling to a straw; to resort to desperate measures or seek any tiny chance of help when in a hopeless situation.
事故で家を失い、藁にもすがる思いで支援団体に連絡した。
After losing his house in the accident, he contacted relief groups, clinging to any hope.
新しい治療法に藁にもすがる患者が増えている。
There are more patients resorting to new treatments as a last hope.
藁にもすがる気持ちで昔の友人に助けを求めた。
Desperately, I reached out to an old friend for help.