Desperation: English Vocabulary List

used to imply that in desperate times, one must take drastic action regardless of how difficult or unpleasant it may be

"Sometimes you have no choice — needs must when the devil drives."

"She took the extra shift reluctantly — needs must when the devil drives."

used to suggest that when people are facing a crisis or are in danger, they will try anything to save themselves, even if their efforts are unlikely to succeed

"Desperate people grasp straws."

"In his panic to escape the debt, he pursued any unlikely investment; a drowning man will clutch at a straw."

used for saying that a desperate person will constantly seek opportunities and resources wherever they can find them in order to meet their needs

"A desperate person goes where they must — a hungry wolf is fixed to no place."

"With no income, he took work wherever he could find it — a hungry wolf is fixed to no place."

used to imply that in a difficult or dangerous situation, one is willing to accept any help or take any refuge that is available, even if it is not ideal

"In an emergency, any option will do — any port in a storm."

"The deal was not ideal, but in the circumstances any port in a storm."

used to imply that when someone is extremely hungry or desperate, they will find a way to satisfy their needs even if it seems impossible

"Real need drives people through any obstacle — hunger breaks stone walls."

"With her family depending on her, she pushed through every barrier — hunger breaks stone walls."

used to imply that when people are facing an emergency or a crisis situation, they are willing to do things they would normally consider beneath them or that go against their usual values or beliefs

"Hungry dogs eat anything."

"When the food ran out, the starving villagers ate whatever they could find, for hungry dogs will eat dirty puddings."

used to suggest that when people have an important and urgent need, regardless of their age or other limitations, they can find a way to overcome those limitations and work hard to meet that need

"Necessity forces people to act — need makes the old wife trot."

"She was not usually quick to act, but the urgency of the situation changed that — need makes the old wife trot."