1 B2 idiomatic informal
To take or acquire something eagerly and quickly, especially before others get the chance.
"Shoppers snaffled up all the discounted items within the first hour of the sale."
separable
snaffle up
B2 informal separable transitive
To take or acquire something quickly and eagerly, often before others have the chance.
In plain English
To grab something quickly so nobody else can have it.
What does "snaffle up" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic informal
To take something that was not strictly meant for you, in an opportunistic way.
"Someone had snaffled up the last of the birthday cake before the party even started."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
From 'snaffle' (to take quickly or stealthily) + 'up' (completely/eagerly).
Actually means
To grab something quickly so nobody else can have it.
Usage tip
Distinctly British English and informal. Often implies a degree of cunning or opportunism, and occasionally suggests taking something that wasn't entirely yours to take. Common in British journalism and everyday speech.
Words that pair with "snaffle up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
tickets bargains deals funding seats leftovers
How to conjugate "snaffle up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
snaffle up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
snaffles up
he/she/it
Past simple
snaffled up
yesterday
Past participle
snaffled up
have + pp
-ing form
snaffling up
continuous
Hear "snaffle up" in the wild
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