clutch at straws

noun

1. hollow stalks or stems of grain after threshing, collectively: used for fodder, for bedding, for making hats, etc.
2. a single one of such stalks
3. such a stalk or, now esp., a tube of waxed paper, plastic, etc., used for sucking beverages
4. something, as a hat, made of straw
5. something of little or no value; worthless trifle
6. straw man (sense )
7. see last straw

Etymology: ME stra < OE streaw, akin to streawian: see strew

adjective

1. straw-colored; yellowish
2. made of straw
3. of little or no value or significance; worthless; meaningless