Grab at Meaning in English
expression
ˈɡɹæb/ /ˈæt
GRAB-at
ɡɹˈæb/ /ˈæt
grab-AT
Definition
To quickly try to take or catch something, often with your hand, sometimes suddenly or desperately.
Usage & Nuances
'Grab at' is usually used for fast, sometimes unsuccessful attempts to catch or hold something, often in urgent or emotional moments. It’s more literal than just 'grab.' Common with objects or opportunities (e.g., 'grab at a chance').
Spanish: agarrar - intentar agarrarPortuguese (BR): tentar pegar - agarrar rapidamentePortuguese (PT): tentar agarrar - agarrar rapidamenteChinese (Simplified): 抓 - 试图抓住Chinese (Traditional): 抓 - 試圖抓住Hindi: झपटना - पकड़ने की कोशिश करनाArabic: يمسك بـ - يحاول الإمساك بـBengali: ছোঁ মেরে ধরা - আকুলভাবে ধরার চেষ্টা করাRussian: хвататься заJapanese: 掴みかかる - つかもうとするVietnamese: chộp lấy - với lấyKorean: 잡아채다 - 붙잡으려 하다Turkish: kapmaya çalışmak - tutmaya çalışmakUrdu: جھپٹنا - پکڑنے کی کوشش کرناIndonesian: chộp lấy - với lấy
Example Sentences
The child grabbed at the toy on the table.
basic
He grabbed at her hand when he slipped.
basic
She grabbed at the rope during the climb.
basic
He grabbed at any excuse to leave early.
natural
As the bus drove off, she grabbed at her falling bag.
natural
People grab at any opportunity for a better life.
natural