To clutch at straws; to resort to desperate measures or cling to any small hope when in a dire situation.
仕事も住むところも失い、彼は藁をも掴む思いで知人に助けを求めた。
Having lost his job and home, he asked an acquaintance for help, clutching at straws.
新しい治療法はまだ試験段階だが、患者は藁をも掴む気持ちで参加を希望した。
The new treatment is still experimental, but the patient hoped to participate, desperate for any help.
問題の解決策が見つからず、担当者は藁をも掴む思いで外部コンサルに相談した。
Unable to find a solution, the person in charge consulted an external consultant, grasping at any option.