Grasping at straws
"Grasping at straws" is an idiomatic expression used to describe a desperate attempt to find a solution or an explanation, often in a situation where there are few or no viable options available. The imagery evoked by this phrase is that of a drowning person reaching out for anything, even a thin straw, in a last-ditch effort to save themselves. Similarly, when someone is "grasping at straws," they are metaphorically clutching onto anything within reach, no matter how insignificant or unlikely, in the hope of finding a solution or alleviating their predicament.
This expression is commonly used to convey the sense of desperation and futility that arises when facing a challenging or seemingly hopeless situation. It suggests that the individual is resorting to irrational or improbable measures out of sheer desperation, acknowledging the slim chance of success. "Grasping at straws" can also imply a sense of desperation born out of frustration or confusion, as the person struggles to make sense of a complex or chaotic situation and seeks any semblance of stability or resolution, however fleeting it may be.