English Reference
Idiom idiom

make a grab


To try to take quickly.

Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.


SIMPLE

The cat tried to make a grab for my sandwich.

CONTEXTUAL

When the store opened for the sale, the shoppers made a grab for the discounted items.

COMPLEX

Seeing the last available seat on the train, he made a grab for it before anyone else could react.


Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    absence makes the heart grow fonder

    One feels more love or affection for those one loves when parted from them.

  2. 02

    cannot make it

    Cannot reach satisfactory or expected standards or do something competently; describes someone in a hopeless situation.

  3. 03

    doctors make the worst patients

    It is difficult to advise people on subjects that they are experts on.

  4. 04

    enough to make a cat laugh

    Very outlandish or outrageous.

  5. 05

    enough to make the angels weep

    Something so distressing that it causes one to lose hope and faith.

  6. 06

    fine feathers make fine birds

    Something that appears beautiful or good is by definition beautiful or good.

  7. 07

    grab and go

    To get something quickly

  8. 08

    grab by the lapels

    To exert control over (something).

Last updated August 10, 2026