snatch victory from the jaws of defeat
Last-second turnaround win
To snatch victory from the jaws of defeat is to win when loss seemed certain—reversing fortune at the last possible moment.
The image is of pulling something from a predator's mouth just before it's swallowed.
Down by two touchdowns with three minutes left, they snatched victory from the jaws of defeat.
The inverse—snatching defeat from the jaws of victory—describes fumbling a sure win.
- comebackRecovery after decline
- achievementAccomplished goal or deed
- upsetDisturb, topple, or shock
- against all oddsDespite extreme improbability
- determinationFirmness of purpose
never say die · down but not out · surprise · glory · buzzer-beater · clutch performance · turning point · conquest · counterattack · final push · improvisation · win · Hail Mary · game-winning play · grit · catharsis · fortitude · risk-taking
snatch victory from the jaws of defeatsnatch defeat from the jaws of victory
Fail when success seemed assured
choke · blow it · come apart at the seams · throw it away · clutch failure
snatch victory from the jaws of defeatwalk in the park
Effortless undertaking
easy win · blowout · decisive victory · romp
snatch, snatches, snatched, snatching, snatcher, victory, victories, victorious, victoriously