snatch victory from the jaws of defeat: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘snatch victory from the jaws of defeat’ mean?
The idiom "snatch victory from the jaws of defeat" means to achieve success in a situation that seemed almost certain to end in failure.
Idiom Explorer
An idiom meaning an unrealistic or unattainable desire/expectation, often used to convey someone wanting something that is impossible to obtain.
The idiom "tempt fate" means to take unnecessary risks or challenge the possibility of something bad happening.
The idiom "take the count" means to be knocked out or defeated in a boxing match.
The idiom "take the bait" means to fall for a trick or deception, often by reacting exactly as the trickster desires, thus becoming trapped or manipulated.
The idiom "take one's hook" means to leave or depart, often in a sneaky or secretive manner. It conveys the idea of someone quietly removing themselves from a situation or place.
The idiom "take one's chance" means to seize or accept an opportunity or risk without knowing the outcome. It implies a willingness to try despite the uncertainty or potential for failure.
The idiom "take by storm" means to conquer or overcome something quickly and easily, typically by using force, enthusiasm, or popularity.
The idiom "take a stab at" means to make an attempt or try something, often without being sure of the outcome or success.
The idiom "take a bite out of" means to reduce or lessen something, usually by a significant amount.
FAIL
The idiom "snatch victory from the jaws of defeat" is a commonly used phrase in the English language. It describes a situation where someone manages to turn a losing situation into a victory. This idiom has its origins in Greek mythology, particularly in the story of Hercules and the Nemean Lion. The Nemean Lion was a powerful creature that terrorized the land, but Hercules was able to defeat it by using his superior tactics and strength.
The story of Hercules serves as a metaphorical foundation for the idiom, highlighting the idea of overcoming adversity and achieving success in the face of formidable challenges. The phrase "snatch victory from the jaws of defeat" emphasizes the element of surprise and the ability to seize opportunities in difficult circumstances.
Interestingly, the idiom became more widely known during the 19th century. An early recorded usage of a similar phrase comes from an 1831 article in The Wellingtonian, a New Zealand newspaper, which stated, "They took the funds for the institution...and attempted to snatch a victory from the jaws of defeat, which, however, eluded them."
Over time, the idiom has gained popularity and is often used in sports, politics, business, and other competitive domains. It signifies an individual or a team's ability to turn around a seemingly hopeless situation and come out victorious. This expression not only acknowledges the potential for unexpected turnarounds but also celebrates the human capacity to persevere and achieve remarkable feats.
Another related idiom is "snatch defeat from the jaws of victory." This phrase refers to the unfortunate act of turning a sure victory into a defeat. It implies that success was within reach, but due to some error or misjudgment, it slipped away. While "snatch victory from the jaws of defeat" highlights the ability to turn a losing situation into a victory, "snatch defeat from the jaws of victory" underscores the importance of not letting success slip away.
Similarly, the idiom "snatch the pebble" also relates to the idea of seizing an opportunity. It refers to a scene from the television show "Kung Fu," where a student is challenged to snatch a pebble from his master's hand. If successful, the student demonstrates his ability to seize an opportunity with precision and agility.
In this context, "snatch the pebble" can be seen as a metaphor for recognizing and seizing opportunities in life. It emphasizes the importance of being alert, focused, and ready to act when an opportunity presents itself.
Another related idiom is "strike it lucky," which is used to describe a situation where someone unexpectedly achieves success or good fortune. This idiom suggests that luck played a significant role in the outcome. While "snatch victory from the jaws of defeat" emphasizes the role of determination and strategic thinking, "strike it lucky" acknowledges the element of chance.
Overall, these idioms all touch on the theme of turning a seemingly hopeless situation into a victory. Whether it is snatching victory from the jaws of defeat, snatching defeat from the jaws of victory, snatching the pebble, or striking it lucky, they all highlight the importance of recognizing and seizing opportunities, being determined, and persevering in the face of challenges. These idioms serve as reminders to never give up and to always strive for success, no matter how difficult the circumstances may be.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom *snatch victory from the jaws of defeat* can be used in a sentence:
1. Despite being down by 15 points in the final quarter, the basketball team managed to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat with a last-second three-pointer.
2. The underdog candidate was trailing in the polls, but in the final weeks of the campaign, they delivered a series of powerful speeches that helped them snatch victory from the jaws of defeat in the election.
3. The chess player seemed to be in a losing position, but with a brilliant move, they snatched victory from the jaws of defeat, leaving their opponent stunned.
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