snatch (redirected from snatched)

snatch someone or something (away) from someone or something

to grab and take someone or something from someone or something. The mother snatched her child away from the doctor and fled. she snatched the candy from the child.

snatch someone out of the jaws of death and snatch someone from the jaws of death

Fig. to save someone from almost certain or imminent death. The soldier snatched the tiny child from the jaws of death.

See also: death, jaw, out

snatch something out of something

to grab something out of something. The police officer snatched the gun out of Don's hand. Mary snatched the piece of chicken out of the fire as soon as it fell in.

See also: out

snatch something up 

1. Lit. to grasp something and lift it up. Tom snatched the last cookie up and popped it into his mouth. He snatched up the last piece of cake.

2. Fig. to collect or acquire as many of something as possible. The shoppers snatched the sale merchandise up very quickly. The shoppers snatched up the sale merchandise very quickly.

See also: up

snatch at someone or something

to grasp at someone or something. The mugger snatched at Jane just as she sprayed Mace on him. He snatched at the Mace, but it was too late.

snatch victory from the jaws of defeat

Cliché to win at the last moment. At the last moment, the team snatched victory from the jaws of defeat with a last-second full-court basket.

See also: defeat, jaw, victory