ENGLISH
REFERENCE

snap at

idiom
Meaning

To lash out with a verbal attack.


Origin

First attested in the late 1500s.

Examples
SIMPLE

Please do not snap at me just because you are tired.

CONTEXTUAL

She was under so much pressure at work that she started to snap at her colleagues for no reason.

COMPLEX

Exhausted by the endless negotiations, the diplomat finally snapped at his counterpart, revealing the deep frustration he had tried so hard to conceal.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    cold snap

    A short and sudden period of cold weather.

  2. 02

    in a snap

    At once, almost immediately, very quickly or suddenly.

  3. 03

    in the snap of one's fingers

    In a snap.

  4. 04

    snap at someone's heels

    To compete with someone closely, with the possibility of soon defeating or replacing them.

  5. 05

    snap back

    To recover quickly.

  6. 06

    snap it up

    To hurry, to proceed quickly.

  7. 07

    snap judgment

    A decision made without deliberation or in excessive haste.

  8. 08

    snap out of

    To terminate suddenly a mood, emotional state, or reverie.

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