snatch victory from the jaws of defeat en · VERB
Pronunciation
- (Australia) audio
Etymology
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."
Meanings
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(idiomatic) 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.
2010, Liam Maloney, "Sligo snatch a victory from the jaws of defeat," Sligo Weekender (Sligo, Ireland). 16 February.
Forms
| Spelling | Features | Labels | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| snatched victory from the jaws of defeat | Tense=Past, VerbForm=Part | lexicographic | |
| snatched victory from the jaws of defeat | Tense=Past | lexicographic | |
| snatches victory from the jaws of defeat | Number=Sing, Person=3, Tense=Pres | lexicographic | |
| snatching victory from the jaws of defeat | Tense=Pres, VerbForm=Part | lexicographic |
Translations (2)
nl de overwinning voor de poorten van de hel wegslepen (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) · vi dành lấy thắng lợi từ thế thất bại (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)