snatch victory from the jaws of defeat

snatch victory from the jaws of defeat

To win, succeed, or be victorious at the last moment, despite the apparent likelihood of failure or defeat. They were down by nearly 20 points with less than half of the last quarter remaining, but through sheer skill and perseverance they managed to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. The candidate has been behind in the polls right up to election day, but with that unfortunate remark by his opponent last night, he may end up snatching victory from the jaws of defeat.
See also: defeat, jaw, of, snatch, victory
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

snatch victory from the jaws of defeat

Cliché to win at the last moment. At the last moment, the team snatched victory from the jaws of defeat with a last-second full-court basket.
See also: defeat, jaw, of, snatch, victory
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • pip (someone) at the post
  • pip (someone) to the post
  • pip somebody at/to the post
  • pip someone at the post
  • flying colors, come off with
  • triumph over
  • triumph over (one)
  • win through
  • win at
  • win at (something)
References in periodicals archive
Wood's England and Durham teammate took centre stage in Leeds, hitting an unbeaten century to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat in the thrilling third Test.
Wally Mason, sports editor of The Australian newspaper, said: "Amid the deafening applause for Stokes and his stunning unbeaten century to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat, let's not forget one key fact: he should have been out.
Buckner allowed the ball to go through his legs as he fielded, and the Mets went on to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.
Bridgend's bold bid to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat from an injury-time line-out failed as the visitors stole the ball to hang on for a crucial victory.
He fought for 75 minutes to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat after dropping the opening two games.
One of the most memorable finishes of the season at Naas in 2017 was in the Listed Garnet Stakes over this trip in October when the soon-to-be champion jockey Colin Keane somehow managed to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat on Elegant Pose, edging out Pat Smullen on Making Light by a short-head.
Similar to their Twickenham exploits, Wales were chasing a score that would see them snatch victory from the jaws of defeat in the final play.
TOURNAMENT host Rory McIlroy produced a sensational finish to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat and win the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open for the first time at The K Club.
The speedy Dutch slinger won five legs in a row and hit 13 maximums to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.
MAS came from 4-2 down against The Reunion to level at 4-4 thanks to goals from Gary Clark, Paul Sambaker, Sam Morgan and Paul Smith only for Gary Clark to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat with the winner and a place in the semis.
By this time a delighted Truman, who had never lost confidence in his own ability to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat, realised he had indeed pulled it off.
SWEET HOME - Blake Dawson helped the North Eugene boys basketball team snatch victory from the jaws of defeat Thursday.
Fly half Williams, returning after missing four months out with a shoulder injury, notched up 19 of his side's points, including two penalties at the death to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.
With Carter needing just one frame his fellow Englishman staged an incredible fightback to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat with the final five frames.
28 CALDY suffered a disappointing loss away to Bromsgrove with the home side scoring in the last minute of the game to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat, with a final score line of 30 points to 28.