Korean Proverb Series 80
A Drowning Person Will Even Grab at Straw
“물에 빠지면 지푸라기라도 잡는다”
(Mure ppajimyeon jipulagirado jabneunda)
🕰️ 1. The Proverb’s Core Meaning
The Korean proverb “물에 빠지면 지푸라기라도 잡는다” literally means
“A drowning person will even grab at straw.”
It describes how someone in desperate circumstances
will cling to anything — even something useless or unreliable —
in the hope that it might save them.
This proverb reflects human nature in crisis
and also warns against making poor or reckless decisions
when one is overwhelmed or afraid.
🪄 2. Meaning & Key Lesson
▪️ Desperation leads people to rely on weak solutions.
▪️ Panic clouds judgment — caution is needed in difficult times.
▪️ Seek real help, not false hope.
The proverb encourages us to stay calm
and choose wisely even when life becomes urgent.
👀 3. Real-Life Applications
▪️ In financial trouble, people may fall for scams promising “quick wealth.”
▪️ When lonely, someone may trust a harmful person just for comfort.
▪️ During crises, people might make irrational decisions
simply because they feel they have no options.
This saying reminds us:
in desperate moments, stop, breathe, and look for solid support.
🌏 4. Similar Proverbs Around the World
▪️ United States / United Kingdom — “A drowning man will clutch at straws.”
→ The direct English equivalent.
▪️ China — “溺水者抓稻草 (Nìshuǐ zhě zhuā dàocǎo).”
→ A drowning person grabs rice straw.
▪️ Japan — “溺れる者は藁をもつかむ (Oboreru mono wa wara o mo tsukamu).”
→ A drowning person will even grab straw.
▪️ France — “Un homme qui se noie s’accroche à tout.”
→ A drowning man clings to anything.
Across cultures, the insight is identical —
desperation makes people vulnerable.
💬 A Warm Saying
“When the waters rise, seek a firm hand —
not a floating piece of straw.”
📌 Note
This is a creative cultural content from the Misojieum Story Blog (kor-telling.com).
Please do not copy without permission.
Sharing is welcome with proper source citation.
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