power grab
An attempt to gain authority in an oppressive or unscrupulous way.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“The manager's new rules look like a power grab.”
“The board members resigned after the CEO attempted a blatant power grab to control the entire company.”
“Historians often view the sudden dissolution of the parliament as a calculated power grab by the regime to silence its political opponents.”
- 01
brown power
The production of electricity made from conventional sources, such as coal, oil, natural gas and nuclear power.
- 02
come to power
To be installed in high office, for example as a king, president, or prime minister.
- 03
grab and go
To get something quickly
- 04
grab by the lapels
To exert control over (something).
- 05
grab the bull by the horns
Synonym of take the bull by the horns.
- 06
grab the popcorn
Used to express anticipated enjoyment from watching a conflict or argument developing between other people, as if one were being entertained at the movies.
- 07
grey power
The collective political, economic, and social influence of senior citizens, especially when they are mobilized by a common interest.
- 08
make a grab
To try to take quickly.
Last updated August 10, 2026