This site will be taken down March 31st, 2026.

This was not an easy decision to make. For the last couple years, I have been struggling to find motivation for this site and to keep up with basic maintenance and security updates. With the rise of AI and more sophisticated tools, the usefulness of sites like this is questionable and traffic has nose-dived. I just don't have it in me to keep doing this. Thank you all for 10 years of support!

Zach

おぼれる者はわらをもつかむ

おぼれる者は藁をもつかむ、 溺れる者は藁をも掴む

Reading

Kana: おぼれるものはわらをもつかむ
Romaji: oborerumonohawarawomotsukamu
Kana
Romaji

Definition

exp
1

A drowning man will catch at a straw

Note: proverb

Kanji

Readings: シャ、 もの
Meanings: someone, person
Readings: コウ、 わら
Meaning: straw
Readings: デキ、 ジョウ、 ニョウ、 いばり、 おぼ.れる
Meanings: drown, indulge
Readings: カク、 つか.む、 つか.まえる、 つか.まる
Meanings: catch, seize, grasp, hold, arrest, capture