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grab off

C1 informal separable transitive

To take something quickly from a surface or from someone, especially in a hurried or forceful manner.

In plain English

To quickly snatch something from somewhere or someone.

What does "grab off" mean?

2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.

1 B2 informal

To quickly take or remove something from a surface or person.

"He grabbed his coat off the hook and ran out of the door."

separable
2 C1 idiomatic informal

To win or secure something competitive before others can do so.

"The new startup grabbed off three major contracts in its first year."

separable

Literal vs figurative

Words literally mean

To grab something and remove it from a surface or person.

Actually means

To quickly snatch something from somewhere or someone.

Usage tip

Relatively uncommon as a distinct phrasal verb. More common in American English. Can also be used in a commercial context meaning to acquire a market share or contract quickly ('grabbed off a large contract'). Rarely used in formal writing.

Words that pair with "grab off"

Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.

shelf table market share contract prize award

How to conjugate "grab off"

The five tense forms you'll use most often.

Base
grab off
I/you/we/they
3rd person
grabs off
he/she/it
Past simple
grabed off
yesterday
Past participle
grabed off
have + pp
-ing form
grabing off
continuous

Hear "grab off" in the wild

Listen to native speakers using "grab off" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.

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