捞稻草

捞稻草

Literally means:

clutch at straw

Actually means:

try to extricate oneself from dangers or difficulties; capitalize on something

捞, fish something out of liquid.

This phrase originally describes someone trying to grasp a tiny piece of straw before drowning. It figuratively means hopeless attempts. It also used figuratively to describe the fact that someone seizes every opportunity to get favor or someone obtains something to boost oneself and harm other. Derogatory.

捞，从液体中把东西拿出来。

捞稻草，原指在水中快淹死的人，连浮力极小的稻草也想捞来当作救命的东西。比喻在没有希望的情况下还要作无用的挣扎。也比喻乘机寻求好处，或得到可以用来抬高自己，打击别人的东西。具有贬义色彩。