grasp at straws

Etymology
In reference to a drowning person grabbing any floating object, even a straw, to save themselves. First used by in  (1534).

Verb

 * 1)  To guess randomly or pursue any apparent option, due to a lack of clear choices or information.
 * I've never met his mother, so I'm grasping at straws for an appropriate gift for her.
 * 1)  To get hold of any help, even if it is insignificant.

Translations

 * Czech: chytat se stébla, chytat se jako tonoucí stébla
 * Italian: arrampicarsi sugli specchi
 * Spanish: agarrarse a un clavo ardiendo
 * Swedish: gripa efter halmstrån