grab at
Lunge toward suddenly
To grab at something is to reach for it quickly, often failing to get a firm hold: She grabbed at the railing as she slipped.
The phrase suggests urgency or desperation rather than controlled movement.
Figuratively, to grab at an opportunity or excuse is to seize it eagerly, perhaps without much thought: He grabbed at any chance to prove himself.
Mechanism linking engine to gearbox
Uncontrolled limb movement
- franticWildly anxious or desperate
- panicUncontrollable sudden fear
- clutchingHolding tightly onto
- scramblingMoving clumsily in haste
lunging · snatching · clawing · reaching · straining · stretching · scrabbling · groping
clutch
Mechanism linking engine to gearbox
swipe · reach · grope · fumble · claw · catch · hook · grip · clasp · pluck
flailing
Uncontrolled limb movement
scrambling · lunging · snatching · clawing · reaching · straining · stretching · scrabbling · groping · fumbling
seize
Take suddenly, forcibly
reach · pounce · capitalize · exploit · pursue · chase · vie · compete · scramble · strive
fumble
Handle with clumsy fingers
swipe · bungle · botch · mishandle · stumble · awkward · clumsy · uncoordinated · ham-handed · maladroit