the jaws of defeat
noun phrase
: the position of being close to losing
The team was able to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat by scoring in the final seconds of the game.
Examples of the jaws of defeat in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Indiana has been no stranger to snatching victory from the jaws of defeat during this postseason, and last night was just their latest basketball miracle.
—
Mikai Bruce, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025
Throughout the season, the Knights repeatedly demonstrated their resilience, snatching victory from the jaws of defeat in critical moments.
—Matt Murschel, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 May 2025
But there have also been matches snatched from the jaws of defeat.
—Megan Feringa, New York Times, 16 May 2025
Alas, the jaws of defeat are nipping at all our contender's heels, and even the intrepid Squeals on Wheels van may not be fast enough to outpace them.
—Bradley Hohulin, IndyStar, 24 Mar. 2025
Miguel said the team has to avoid opening the door for opponents to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.
—Edward Lee, Baltimore Sun, 16 Mar. 2025
Powered by a game-high 35 points from Cole Anthony and a plethora of reserve players stepping up, the Magic escaped the jaws of defeat to win 121-114 against the Heat (13-13), who were without Jimmy Butler (illness).
—Jason Beede, Orlando Sentinel, 22 Dec. 2024
And in Game 4, the Clippers had a whole heart attack of turnovers before having to snatch victory back from the jaws of defeat.
—Law Murray, The Athletic, 30 Apr. 2024
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Mikai Bruce, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025
Throughout the season, the Knights repeatedly demonstrated their resilience, snatching victory from the jaws of defeat in critical moments.
—Matt Murschel, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 May 2025
But there have also been matches snatched from the jaws of defeat.
—Megan Feringa, New York Times, 16 May 2025
Alas, the jaws of defeat are nipping at all our contender's heels, and even the intrepid Squeals on Wheels van may not be fast enough to outpace them.
—Bradley Hohulin, IndyStar, 24 Mar. 2025
Miguel said the team has to avoid opening the door for opponents to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.
—Edward Lee, Baltimore Sun, 16 Mar. 2025
Powered by a game-high 35 points from Cole Anthony and a plethora of reserve players stepping up, the Magic escaped the jaws of defeat to win 121-114 against the Heat (13-13), who were without Jimmy Butler (illness).
—Jason Beede, Orlando Sentinel, 22 Dec. 2024
And in Game 4, the Clippers had a whole heart attack of turnovers before having to snatch victory back from the jaws of defeat.
—Law Murray, The Athletic, 30 Apr. 2024
Cite this Entry
“The jaws of defeat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20jaws%20of%20defeat. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.
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