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."
inseparable
grab at
B1 neutral inseparable transitive
To make a quick, often desperate or clumsy attempt to seize something; to eagerly try to take an opportunity.
In plain English
To try to quickly catch or take hold of something, or to eagerly try to get an opportunity.
What does "grab at" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
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."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To make a grasping movement toward something.
Actually means
To try to quickly catch or take hold of something, or to eagerly try to get an opportunity.
Usage tip
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.
Words that pair with "grab at"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
opportunity chance arm rope power attention
How to conjugate "grab at"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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
Hear "grab at" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "grab at" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
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