grasp (redirected from grasps the nettle)

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. He's hoping that this new treatment will help him but I think he's clutching at straws. (usually in continuous tenses)

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

See also: clutch, straw

grasp the nettle (British & Australian)

to take action immediately in order to deal with an unpleasant situation. I've been putting off tackling the problem for too long and I think it's time to grasp the nettle.