snap at

Idioms  

1. Speak irritably or abruptly to someone, as in This teacher was always snapping at the children. This use of snap transfers an animal's sudden bite at something to a verbal attack. [Late 1500s]

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Example Sentences

Europe has witnessed strong withdrawals from storage facilities after a cold snap at the start of the year, with inventory levels now standing well below the five-year average.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 12, 2026

And that kind of niceness—the wide smiles, the generosity—it can hide deeper resentments that go back generations, that will snap at you like a stick to keep you in line.

From Slate • Oct. 22, 2025

Harley is a rescue hound, of indeterminate but clearly mixed breed, who is given to leaping in the air to snap at moths and making vain but enthusiastic attempts to catch lizards.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 10, 2025

Leclerc challenged Russell for second, tracking right behind the Mercedes from laps 25 to 28 before a snap at the hairpin gave Russell some breathing space.

From BBC • Mar. 23, 2025

“Just answer the question,” I’d snap at him.

From "A Very Large Expanse of Sea" by Tahereh Mafi

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