grasp

*(solid) grasp of something and *(sound) grasp of something; *(good) grasp of something

Fig. a firm understanding of something. (*Typically: get ~; have ~; give someone ~.) Try to get a grasp of the basic rules. You don't have a good grasp of the principles yet. John was unable to get a solid grasp of the methods used in his work, and we had to let him go.

*within one's grasp 

1. Lit. where one can grasp something with one's hand. (*Typically: be ~;, get ~; get something ~.) The rope was within his grasp, but he was too weak to reach for it.

2. . Fig. [for something] to be obtainable; [for a goal] to be almost won. (Does not involve grabbing or grasping. *Typically: be ~; get ~; get something ~.) Victory is within our grasp, so we must keep playing the game to win. Her goal is within her grasp at last.

See also: within

clutch at straws

Fig. to continue to seek solutions, ideas, or hopes that are insubstantial. When you talk of cashing in quick on your inventions, you are just clutching at straws. That is not a real solution to the problem. You are just clutching at straws.

See also: clutch, straw

grasp someone or something by something

to hold onto someone or something by something. He grasped his friend by the hand and pulled him to safety. Sharon grasped the dog by its collar and held on tight.

grasp at someone or something

to try to seize someone or something. He grasped at the bar and held on tight. The beggar grasped at the pedestrian and lost his grip.

within someone's reach and within someone's grasp 

1. Lit. close enough to be grasped. The ball was almost within his reach!

2. Fig. almost in the possession of someone. My goals are almost within my reach, so I know I'll succeed. We almost had the contract within our grasp, but the deal fell through at the last minute.

See also: reach, within

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clutch/grasp at straws 

1. to try any method, even those that are not likely to succeed, because you are in such a bad situation (usually in continuous tenses) He's hoping that this new treatment will help him but I think he's clutching at straws.

2. to try to find reasons to feel hopeful about a situation when there is no real cause for hope (usually in continuous tenses) She thinks he might still be interested because he calls her now and then but I think she's clutching at straws.

See also: clutch, straw

grasp the nettle  (British & Australian)

to take action immediately in order to deal with an unpleasant situation

Usage notes: A nettle is a plant which can sting if you touch it.

I've been putting off tackling the problem for too long and I think it's time to grasp the nettle.

See clutch at straws

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within reach

almost possible or available Everyone says agreement is within reach, but it's hard to believe. The price for the house was almost within reach, but a bit more than they could afford.

Related vocabulary: for the taking

See also: reach, within