grasping at smoke

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "grasping at smoke" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an attempt to achieve something elusive or unattainable, often implying futility. Example: "His efforts to find a solution felt like grasping at smoke, as every lead turned out to be a dead end."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Ms. Weber could have told the feds that they were grasping at smoke.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Like, grasping-at-straws desperate.

TechCrunch

I'm grasping at straws".

The New York Times

"They were grasping at straws," Jones said.

The New Yorker

Either solution is grasping at straws.

The New York Times

They weren't grasping at straws.

The New York Times

But I was grasping at nonexistent straws.

The Guardian

"They're all grasping at different straws".

The New York Times

This may be grasping at straws.

The Guardian

They're kind of grasping at straws".

The New York Times

A sampling: "They're grasping at straws".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "grasping at smoke" when you want to convey the futility and illusiveness of an effort. It's particularly effective when highlighting the desperation behind the attempt.

Common error

Avoid using "grasping at smoke" in a literal sense. It's an idiom, so applying it to situations involving actual smoke would be incorrect and confusing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grasping at smoke" functions as an idiomatic expression, typically used as part of a larger sentence to describe a futile or desperate attempt to achieve something. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is deemed correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "grasping at smoke" is a grammatically sound, albeit infrequent, idiomatic phrase used to describe a futile attempt to attain something unattainable. Predominantly found in news and media, it conveys a sense of desperation and illusiveness. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable expression, best employed when emphasizing the hopelessness of a situation. Related phrases include "chasing shadows" and "reaching for the impossible", offering alternative ways to express similar concepts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Chasing shadows

Focuses on pursuing something that is intangible and fleeting, like a shadow.

Reaching for the impossible

Highlights the ambition and futility of trying to achieve something beyond reach.

Barking up the wrong tree

Implies misdirected effort, pursuing a goal in the wrong way or place.

Flogging a dead horse

Suggests continuing to pursue a matter that is already resolved or hopeless.

On a fool's errand

Highlights the pointlessness and lack of success in the enterprise.

Sailing close to the wind

Focuses on the attempt of succeeding in impossible circumstances.

Tilting at windmills

Refers to attacking imaginary enemies or fighting unwinnable battles.

Catching moonbeams

Emphasizes the whimsical and unrealistic nature of the pursuit.

Hunting unicorns

Highlights the search for something mythical and non-existent.

Building castles in the air

Stresses the impracticality of the plans and the lack of a solid foundation.

FAQs

How can I use "grasping at smoke" in a sentence?

You can use "grasping at smoke" to describe someone trying to achieve something that is impossible or unattainable. For example: "His efforts to revive the failing project felt like grasping at smoke".

What does "grasping at smoke" mean?

The phrase "grasping at smoke" means attempting to catch or hold onto something that is intangible, elusive, or non-existent. It implies a futile and desperate effort.

What can I say instead of "grasping at smoke"?

You can use alternatives like "chasing shadows", "reaching for the impossible", or "barking up the wrong tree" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "grasping at straws" or "grasping at smoke"?

Both "grasping at straws" and "grasping at smoke" are correct idioms, but they have slightly different meanings. "Grasping at straws" suggests desperation in a difficult situation, while "grasping at smoke" implies pursuing something fundamentally unattainable.