snatch at

snatch at — phrasal verb

  • snatch atbase form
  • snatches at3rd person singular
  • snatching at-ing form
  • snatched atpast simple

1. to quickly reach out and try to grip something or someone with your hand, often

1.phrasal verbintransitiveB2
Definition

to quickly reach out and try to grip something or someone with your hand, often in a sudden or desperate way — for example, snatching at a swinging rope, or at someone's arm before they move away.

Example

Kabir snatched at the rope swinging past him, but his fingers only brushed against it.

snatch at + noun phrase for attempted grabbing

The toddler snatched at Mira's phone before she could move it out of reach.

Common collocations
  • snatch at a rope
  • snatch at someone's sleeve
  • snatch at a falling object
  • snatch at someone's hand
Synonyms
  • grab at

    more neutral, less sudden or desperate than 'snatch at'

  • clutch at

    suggests holding on rather than a single quick attempt to take

  • reach for

    broader; can be slow or deliberate, not necessarily urgent

Antonyms
  • let go

    the opposite of trying to take hold

  • release

    formal opposite; to stop holding something

Grammar Patterns

snatch at + noun phrase (the thing or person you try to take)

Usage Note

Always followed by 'at'. Unlike the bare verb 'snatch', which usually implies success in taking something, 'snatch at' emphasises the attempt — the result may be failure.

Common Mistakes

She snatched at the bag from the table.
She snatched at the bag lying on the table.
'snatch at' already contains the particle 'at'; do not add 'from' as a second directional particle.
The dog snatched at and caught the ball.
The dog snatched at the ball and caught it.
'snatch at' always needs the particle when describing the attempt, even if the action succeeds.

2. to quickly and eagerly accept or use an opportunity, offer, or chance before it

2.phrasal verbintransitiveB2
Definition

to quickly and eagerly accept or use an opportunity, offer, or chance before it is no longer available — for example, snatching at a job offer, or at a chance to visit a foreign country.

Example

The company snatched at the chance to hire Reuben before their competitors made an offer.

snatch at + chance / opportunity figurative use

Sofie snatched at the opportunity to study in Berlin, knowing it might never come again.

Common collocations
  • snatch at an opportunity
  • snatch at a chance
  • snatch at an offer
  • snatch at a deal
Synonyms
  • jump at

    slightly more enthusiastic and immediate; also informal

  • leap at

    very similar to 'jump at', emphasises eagerness even more

  • seize

    more formal; does not need 'at' and implies success

Antonyms
  • miss

    to fail to take an opportunity, whether by choice or accident

  • let slip

    to not take an opportunity when you could have

Grammar Patterns

snatch at + opportunity / chance / offer

Usage Note

Always followed by 'at'. Objects are typically abstract nouns such as 'opportunity', 'chance', 'offer', or 'deal'. This sense is common in business, education, and career contexts.

Common Mistakes

I snatched the opportunity before it was too late.
I snatched at the opportunity before it was too late.
'snatch at' is the correct phrasal verb for trying to take an opportunity; 'snatch' without 'at' means physically taking an object.

Etymology

Middle EnglishOld EnglishEnglish

The verb 'snatch' comes from Middle English 'snacchen', meaning to seize or snap at something. The particle 'at' was added to form the phrasal verb, shifting the meaning from successfully taking something to merely trying to take it — the addition of 'at' signals the direction of an attempt rather than a completed action.