Akademik

Утопающий и за соломинку хватается
A man in despair will use anything, be it ever helpless, to- save himself from danger or difficulties
Cf: A drowning man clutches at a thread (grabs at a straw) (Am.). A drowning man will catch at a straw (Am., Br.). A drowning man will snatch at a straw (would catch at a razor) (Br.)

Русско-английский словарь пословиц и поговорок. . 2013.