smash and grab
The term "smash and grab" originated to describe a rapid form of robbery, typically involving breaking a window to steal items quickly.
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Definition
B2Criminal Activity
(informal)A theft where a window or barrier is broken to quickly steal items and escape.
Example
- The jewelry store was targeted in a smash and grab last night.
- Police are investigating a series of smash and grab incidents in the downtown area.
C1General
(informal, figurative)A sudden, forceful action taken to quickly achieve a goal, often at someone else's expense.
Example
- The company executed a smash and grab to take over the smaller competitor.
- His approach to negotiations was more of a smash and grab than a diplomatic discussion.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "smash and grab":
bash and grabsmash and dashsmash upsmash downcash grabtake a graball to smashdouble grabbreaking and enteringbreak and enterhit and run