See Also: straw(1)(dictionary)
straw(2)(dictionary)
straw(encyclopedia)
straw(dictionary)
Straw and Hay(recipes)
Straw-Man - General(gambling)
straw poll(dictionary)
straw-coloured(dictionary)
Cheese Straw Twists(recipes)

straw (oh)




[Language: Old English; Origin: streaw]
a) [U] the dried stems of wheat or similar plants that animals sleep on, and that are used for making things such as baskets, hats etc
-see also hay hay
::a straw hat
b) [C] a single dried stem of straw

[C] a thin tube of paper or plastic for sucking up liquid from a bottle or a cup
::She sipped her lemonade through a straw.
the last straw
also the straw that breaks the camel's back
the last problem in a series of problems that finally makes you give up, get angry etc
::Making me work late on Friday was the last straw.
be clutching/grasping at straws
to be trying everything you can to succeed, even though the things you are doing are not likely to help or work
straw in the wind
BrE a sign of what might happen in the future
::There have been a few straws in the wind suggesting things might be getting a little better.
straw man
AmE a weak opponent or imaginary argument that can easily be defeated
-see also draw the short straw at draw 1 (29)