grab at
B1 neutral inseparable transitive
In simple words
To try to quickly catch or take hold of something, or to eagerly try to get an opportunity.
Literal meaning: To make a grasping movement toward something.
Meanings
1 B1 neutral
To make a quick, often clumsy physical attempt to take hold of something.
"She grabbed at the railing as she slipped on the wet steps."
Grammar: inseparable
2 B1
idiomatic
neutral
To eagerly try to take advantage of an opportunity.
"He grabbed at the chance to study abroad without a second thought."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
The physical sense implies urgency or desperation and often suggests the attempt is unsuccessful. The figurative sense ('grab at an opportunity') suggests eagerness. More commonly used than 'grab for' in British English.
Commonly used with
opportunity chance arm rope power attention
Forms
Base
grab at
I/you/we/they
3rd person
grabs at
he/she/it
Past simple
grabed at
yesterday
Past participle
grabed at
have + pp
-ing form
grabing at
continuous
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