# snatch victory from the jaws of defeat

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/snatch-victory-from-the-jaws-of-defeat
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To suddenly win a contest when it appears that loss is a foregone conclusion, to succeed in an endeavor through reversal of fortune, skill, effort, or good judgment.

## Examples

- The team snatched victory from the jaws of defeat in the final minute.
- You snatch victory from the jaws of defeat with that last-minute goal.
- We often snatch victory from the jaws of defeat when we work together.
- Despite trailing by ten points, the captain scored twice to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.
- The company managed to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat by signing a major contract just hours before they ran out of money.
- After failing the first two rounds of the debate, the student used a brilliant final argument to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.
- With only seconds remaining on the clock, the underdog athlete performed a miraculous final maneuver to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.

## Origin

The first recorded use of the phrase discovered to date is an article criticizing Representative James Seddon of Virginia for claiming that a regiment in the Mexican–American War had "snatched victory from the jaws of defeat."

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.