Make a grab at Meaning in English
expression
ˈmeɪk/ /ˈeɪ/, /ə/ /ˈɡɹæb/ /ˈæt
MAYK-uh-GRAB-at
mˈeɪk/ /æɪ/ /ɡɹˈæb/ /ˈæt
MAYK-a-GRAB-at
Definition
To quickly try to take or catch something by reaching for it with your hand, often suddenly or without thinking.
Usage & Nuances
Mostly informal. Often used to describe a sudden or impulsive physical action, sometimes with a sense of urgency or even greed. Usually paired with an object: 'make a grab at the book'. Not commonly used for metaphorical or abstract things.
Spanish: intentar agarrar - lanzarse a cogerPortuguese (BR): tentar agarrar - tentar pegarPortuguese (PT): tentar agarrar - tentar apanharChinese (Simplified): 试图抓住 - 伸手抓Chinese (Traditional): 試圖抓住 - 伸手抓Hindi: पकड़ने की कोशिश करनाArabic: حاول أن يمسك بـ - اندفع للإمساك بـBengali: হাত বাড়ানো - ঝটপট ধরে নেওয়াRussian: схватиться за - попытаться схватитьJapanese: 手を伸ばす - つかみ取ろうとするVietnamese: chộp lấy - vươn tay lấyKorean: 잡으려고 달려들다 - 급히 손을 뻗다Turkish: kapmaya çalışmak - aniden uzanmakUrdu: جھپٹنا - ہاتھ بڑھاناIndonesian: meraih - menyambar
Example Sentences
She made a grab at her falling phone.
basic
He made a grab at the last piece of pizza.
basic
As soon as the door opened, the dog made a grab at my shoe.
natural
He tried to make a grab at her hand, but she pulled away.
natural
Everyone made a grab at the free gifts when the announcement was made.
natural
The child made a grab at the cookie on the table.
basic